About the Project
Research question: "What is the impact of adverse advents on surgical trainees? How can they be classified, understood and mitigated?"
Funding and Eligibility
The Centre for Evidence and Implementation Science at the University of Birmingham is offering a fully funded, full-time PhD studentship in Health Services Management. Commencing on 1 September 2027.
The studentship is only available to candidates eligible for Home student status. Applicants should check their eligibility before applying and clearly confirm their eligibility in their CV and personal statement.
Due to funding requirements and project timelines, only applicants who meet the eligibility criteria and can start on the specified date will be considered. Applications that do not meet these requirements will not be shortlisted. Previous applicants need not apply.
Project Overview
This PhD will investigate how to understand and address surgical mistakes in training. The research will explore how factors including monitoring and assessment, group dynamics, care pathways, leadership and management influence the reporting of mistakes and near misses in surgery. The work will understand how mistakes effect surgeons and how they are logged.
Research Approach
The project will use a mixed-methods design, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches to develop a comprehensive understanding of how we learn from surgical mistakes.
Potential methods may include:
- Evidence synthesis, including systematic reviews of qualitative literature
- Analysis of routinely collected health data or observational datasets
- Qualitative research, such as interviews or focus groups with clinicians and community stakeholders, to explore influences on reporting.
Potential Research Areas
The project may investigate topics such as:
- Under reporting of mistakes
- Stress anxiety delay, stigma embarrassment
- Persistent impact of low grade errors in surgery
- Ongoing impact of "errors" on surgical careers
The successful candidate will contribute to research that supports the development of more inclusive approach to surgical training.
Candidate Profile
This PhD would suit applicants with an interest in:
- Surgery (primarily orthopaedics)
- Workforce health and development
- Health services research
- Implementation science
Experience in quantitative, qualitative, or evidence synthesis methods would be desirable, although training and support will be provided throughout the programme.
Eligibility Criteria:
- A first-class or strong upper second-class (2:1) undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. health sciences, social sciences, or related field)
- A first-class or strong upper second-class (2:1) Master's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject (completed or near completion at the time of application)
- Post-qualification experience, including professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience, will also be taken into account when considering applicants.
Desirable Criteria
- Research experience using qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods (including evidence synthesis)
- Demonstrated interest in surgical safety in orthopaedics and surgical error
- Interest in professional development and leadership in surgery.
Supervisory Team
Professor Amy Grove - Director for the Centre of Evidence and Implementation Science - University of Birmingham
Mr Adam Stoneham MA MBChB FRCS (Tr & Orth) MFST Ed. Eur. Hand Dip. Consultant orthopaedic hand surgeon based in London and Hampshire. Honorary Associate Professor University of Birmingham
Mr James Tomlinson MBChB FRCS (Tr & Orth) Consultant Orthopaedic Spinal Surgeon and Associate Medical Director for Education at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals
Application Documents:
Please submit the following documents:
- A 1-page research proposal
- A 2-page CV, including the contact details of two referees
- A 1-page personal statement
- Copies of your degree certificates
Please clearly state in your CV and/or personal statement that you qualify as a home student and are eligible for the studentship. Applications that do not meet these requirements will not be shortlisted. Previous applicants need not apply. Please email your applicant number to Professor Amy Grove A.L.Grove@bham.ac.uk
How to apply:
To apply, please use the link below and select "Apply". You will then be taken to the application portal, where you should choose "PhD in Health Services Management Centre – Full-time (4 years), Birmingham, 2026" and click "Apply Now".
Although the advertised studentship is funded for three years, this is the correct application route. The University of Birmingham's application system lists the programme as a four-year full-time PhD, so please select this option when submitting your application.
Key Dates
7th February 2027, 12pm – Application deadline
19th and 20th March 2027 – Online interviews (via MS Teams; includes a 3-minute presentation)
Outcome of the interviews: April 2027
Offers will need to be accepted by the July 2027
