Dr Sara Smith (PhD, BSc, FHEA) is Dean of the School of Health Sciences at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh. Sara is also a qualified Dietitian who is registered with the Heath and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
- Overview
- Research Interests
- Research Publications
- Teaching & Learning
- Activities & Awards
Prior to joining QMU as a full-time academic Sara worked in several clinical NHS roles within Acute and Community settings in both Scotland and England and latterly undertook a CRAG (Clinical Resource and Audit Group) funded post within the NHS Fife Renal Service.She began her academic career as a visiting lecturer, progressing to full time Lecturer, Programme Leader, and Senior Lecturer within QMU.
She completed her clinically focused PhD in 2010 (part funded by the British Renal Society) which explored the effects of an intradialytic exercise programme on quality of life, functional and nutritional status of individuals receiving haemodialysis therapy and continues to lecture and contribute to research and publications in the areas of body composition and nutritional assessment.
She was appointed to the role of Deputy Head of DPPR (Dietetics, Nutrition, Biological Sciences, Physiotherapy, Podiatry and Radiography) in 2018 and during this time led the development, validation and launch of the online multi-professional postgraduate Advancing Practice in Health Framework.
She also established and developed the successful UG transnational (Dietetic) programmes run collaboratively with Metropolitan College in Greece.
In 2020 she was appointed to the role of Acting Head of the Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences supporting the ongoing delivery and transformation of existing UG and PG programmes and practice-based learning along with the development of new micro credential/CPD opportunities.
Externally Sara continues to work with Healthcare in a number of capacities, through strategic collaborations with individual Health Boards, third sector organisations and membership of Scottish Government/NHS Steering Groups/Advisory Forums.
Sara has also undertaken a number of External accreditation and examining roles.
She continues to be actively engaged in the work of professional and statutory bodies through membership of various education committees, working groups and as an HCPC and CORU Education Visitor.
Affiliations/Memberships to Other Organisations:
- Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
- Member of the British Dietetic Association
- HCPC Registered Dietitian
Research/Knowledge Exchange Centre Membership:
Assessment of body composition, nutritional and functional status and quality of life. Self efficacy and person centred outcomes. Sarcopenia and dynapenia in long term conditions.
Improving supported self management and outcomes (in individuals living with or caring for someone) of long term conditions through targeted interventions such as diet, physical activity and reductions in sedentary behaviour.
Active Research Interests:
- Use of advanced technologies for the assessment of body composition (eg 3D phototonic scanning)
- Physical activity interventions for individuals living with chronic kidney disease
- Visual identification of nutritional status
- Use of telehealth as part of weight management interventions
- Management of lipedema (self efficacy, quality of life)
Research Methods:
- Nutritional and functional assessment eg diet, body composition and functional technologies
- Quality of life questionaries’
- Self efficacy questionnaires
- Physical activity questionnaires, ActivPAL and app technologies
Sara has extensive experience of developing , validating, delivering and monitoring the ongoing quality of face to face/online UG and PG multi-professional allied health/health related programmes as well as practice based education within QMU, the UK and abroad.
IBEX Award, British Dietetic Association 2016. Awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the profession either locally or in a specific specialty.
