Dr Jo Hartland graduated with a medical degree in 2013, and worked as an NHS doctor for 5 years before moving into higher education. Their work as the Deputy Education Director and previous 3D (Diversity, Disability and Disadvantage) helical theme lead at the University of Bristol Medical School has focused on the co-production of teaching in partnership with marginalised communities; bringing the voices of those historically excluded from healthcare into curriculum development. They are currently leading on work to decolonise systems of oppression in medical education and improving student outcomes by challenging systemic inequalities in healthcare education, in both universities and NHS settings.
They are working towards a PhD through publication exploring how models of professionalism gatekeep success for marginalised students, exploring how cultures of traditional practice contribute to awarding gaps and resistance to intersectional teaching in curricula. Using a decolonising lens they explore how practices of active exclusion uphold powerful drivers of health inequality, and how we use compassionate education to create the change markers of the future.
Nationally they sit on the Executive Board of the Medical Schools Council (MSC) Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Alliance. In this role they help guide outcomes and teaching for around 50,000 medical students UK wide, supporting the writing of guidelines and advocating for best practices in EDI work. They are also an award-winning queer health activist, and in their own time led the development of the GLADD UK Medical Schools Charter on So-Called LGBTQ+ Conversion Therapy.
Their experience as a disabled, pansexual and gender queer educator has shaped their work significantly. Despite experiences of discrimination they are passionate about being open regarding their identity; role modelling and creating space for other trans and non-binary students and colleagues in healthcare education leadership.