Biography
Professor Cathal Breen, a distinguished Clinical Scientist of Cardiac Physiology at Edinburgh Napier University, has built an exemplary career that seamlessly integrates clinical practice, academic scholarship, and educational innovation, with a significant focus on clinical research in cardiac physiology and medical education. With nearly two decades of experience, his career trajectory provides valuable insights for aspiring academics, healthcare educators, clinical researchers, and professionals in medical and allied health fields. Professor Breen’s career is grounded in his clinical expertise as a board-certified Cardiac Physiologist, which informs his academic and research endeavors. At Edinburgh Napier University, he combines teaching, research, and leadership to advance healthcare education and clinical practice. His work focuses on preparing medical, nursing, and allied health students for clinical roles through innovative pedagogy while contributing to clinical research that enhances diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in cardiac care. His dual expertise in clinical practice and academia positions him as a leader in bridging theoretical knowledge with practical application.
He currently leads the simulation and clinical skills department at Edinburgh Napier which facilitates Nursing, Midwifery, Allied Health Professions and Social Work professions education and research. Cathal holds an Honorary Research Consultant position, NHS Lothian, Scotland.
External roles include:
Clinical Facilitator Northern Ireland Medical and Dental Training Agency (NIMDTA).
Associate of the National School of Healthcare Sciences, Higher Education England, UK.
Cardiac and Vascular physiology theme lead, The Physiological Society, UK & Ireland.
Cardiac Devices Specialist Group Member, Public Health Scotland, Scottish Cardiac Audit Programme (SCAP).
External examiner, new Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Medical technologies at TUS (formerly Limerick Institute of Technology) (until 2024).
External examiner, BSc Hons Healthcare Science (Cardiology), PGCert Cardiac Device and Rhythm Management and PGCert Echocardiography, The Medical School, University of Leeds, UK (until 2024)
External examiner, PhD examiner, National Institute for Health Research (NIHR CRN), University of Leeds, Leeds, UK (currently).
External examiner, Certificate of Healthcare Science, City, London, UK (until 2023)
Member of faculty Academy of Healthcare Science, Leicestershire, UK (currently)
Member of faculty National School for Healthcare Science, Birmingham, UK (currently)