Dr Richard Singleton

Qualifications

• BSc. (Hons) Microbiology with Immunology – University of Leeds
• PhD Immunology – University College London
• MBChB – University of Warwick
• MRCGP (2015)
• FHEA

Teaching interests

Richard's teaching interests centre on creating engaging, authentic, and learner-centred educational experiences that prepare students for contemporary healthcare practice. He has a particular passion for clinical skills education, simulation-based learning, and the use of simulated patients to develop students' communication, consultation, and professional skills in realistic clinical settings.

Richard is especially interested in the application of gamification and innovative teaching methods to enhance student engagement, motivation, and knowledge retention. His work focuses on designing learning experiences that encourage active participation, critical thinking, teamwork, and reflection.

Drawing on his experience as a practising GP, Richard is committed to helping students bridge the gap between theory and practice through meaningful, patient-centred learning. He also has a strong interest in interprofessional education, supporting learners from different healthcare professions to learn with, from, and about one another to improve collaborative practice and patient care.

Research interests

Richard's research interests focus on healthcare education, simulation-based learning, clinical skills development and innovative approaches to student engagement. He is particularly interested in how simulation, gamification and experiential learning can enhance learner confidence, communication skills, clinical reasoning and preparedness for professional practice.

As a practising GP and educator, Richard is interested in scholarship that bridges educational theory and frontline clinical practice, with a particular focus on patient-centred care, consultation skills, professionalism and interprofessional learning.

Richard has contributed to scholarly work in medical education, including a BMJ Education article co-authored with Dr Russell Peek and Louise Walker examining the assessment and management of chronic cough in preschool-aged children. The article provides an evidence-based overview of recognising common causes of chronic cough, identifying red-flag symptoms and supporting clinicians in making appropriate management and referral decisions.

His current interests include the evaluation of simulation-based teaching, the educational impact of simulated patients, and the use of gamification to improve engagement and learning outcomes within healthcare education.

Membership of Professional Bodies

Richard is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, recognising his commitment to excellence in teaching, learning and the student experience within higher education. This fellowship reflects his dedication to evidence-informed educational practice, innovation in teaching, and the ongoing development of healthcare education. 

Recent Publications

Richard contributes to educational and clinical scholarship that supports evidence-informed healthcare practice and learning. His work reflects a commitment to translating research and best evidence into accessible resources for healthcare professionals and students.

Peek R, Walker L, Singleton R. Chronic cough in preschool aged children. BMJ Education, 2024.

This peer-reviewed BMJ Education article provides an evidence-based overview of the assessment and management of chronic cough in preschool-aged children. The publication explores common causes of persistent cough, highlights important red-flag symptoms, and offers practical guidance to support clinical decision-making and appropriate referral pathways. Designed for healthcare professionals, the article aims to improve the recognition and management of respiratory presentations in young children while promoting safe, patient-centred care.

Through publications and educational outputs, Richard seeks to advance healthcare education, clinical practice, and the development of future healthcare professionals.

External Roles

Richard is a practising GP and remains actively involved in primary care, ensuring that his teaching and educational leadership are informed by contemporary clinical practice and the realities of modern healthcare delivery.

He is committed to widening participation and inspiring future generations to consider careers in healthcare. For several years, he has visited local primary schools to deliver interactive sessions introducing children to medicine, healthcare professions and healthy living. These activities aim to raise aspirations, improve awareness of healthcare careers and make healthcare education more accessible to young people from a diverse range of backgrounds.

Richard also works closely with local NHS partners to support widening participation initiatives through the Russells Hall Hospital Work Experience Programme. Through this work, he helps provide meaningful opportunities for school and college students to gain insight into healthcare careers, develop their understanding of the NHS and build confidence in pursuing professional pathways within healthcare.

As University Academic Lead for the Simulated Patient Programme, Richard works with simulated patients, healthcare professionals and academic colleagues to develop authentic learning experiences that support communication skills, professionalism, clinical reasoning and patient-centred care. He has a particular interest in the use of simulation and gamification to create engaging educational experiences that enhance learner confidence and participation.

Through his clinical practice, educational leadership, scholarship and community engagement activities, Richard seeks to support the development of compassionate, skilled and confident healthcare professionals.