Dr Natasha Elks

Based full-time on campus, Nat is part of the Clinical Skills and Professional Practice (CSPP) team at The Pears Cumbria School of Medicine. She holds degrees in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Cambridge – where she intercalated in Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour – plus a Postgraduate Certificate in Health Research and Statistics from the University of York. Alongside the latter, Nat completed an Academic Specialised Foundation Program in Hull, East Yorkshire, with a research component focusing on Vascular Surgery. Subsequently, Nat’s interest in travel, healthcare systems, and health inequalities lead her to the opportunity to work in Wellington, New Zealand, practicing in General Surgery and Orthopaedic Surgery.

Nat has teaching experience in a plethora of settings, and a range of subject areas – including but not limited to medical education! She is particularly passionate about the role of communication in clinical practice, and eager to impart this enthusiasm to students who may carry it forward into their careers. Throughout the CSPP course, Nat strives to nurture a learning environment in which students feel safe, supported and included, that they may grow as communicators, professionals and clinicians.

Outside of work, Nat enjoys hiking, food, travel, and testing the boundaries of her comfort zone: this year she has been learning how to play bridge!