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)
Research Interests
Clinical skills and simulation.
Cardiac electrophysiology (science of elucidating, diagnosing and treating the electrical activities of the heart).
Epicardial adipose tissue associations with atrial fibrillation.
Heart Failure with preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF) diagnosis and treatment.
Diagnostic decision support systems (computer assisted differential diagnosis).Conducting translational
research (promoting entrepreneurship and commercialization).
Acquisition of expertise within the clinical domain (pedagogy).
Teaching and Learning
Professor Cathal Breen possesses nearly two decades of academic expertise in advancing learning and teaching within healthcare and medical education. His pedagogical approach is distinguished by the integration of technology-enhanced learning modalities, including smartphone applications, clinical decision support systems, and augmented reality, to optimize learning efficiency and knowledge retention among undergraduate and postgraduate students in medical schools, nursing and allied healthcare disciplines. Professor Breen’s research agenda centers on the scholarship of teaching and learning, with a focus on simulation-based education, clinical skills acquisition, and pedagogical innovation in medical and healthcare professional training. His doctoral research investigated the mechanisms of expertise development in clinical domains, contributing to a robust portfolio of peer-reviewed publications that elucidate the efficacy of digital interventions in enhancing educational outcomes within medical curricula. Employing rigorous quantitative methodologies and systematic evidence synthesis, he advances transformative educational practices. Additionally, Professor Breen engages in research degree supervision, serves as an external examiner, and contributes to peer review of research funding proposals, reinforcing his commitment to shaping the future of medical and healthcare education.
Scopus Author ID
36105860700
PhD Supervision Availability
Yes
PhD Topics
Clinical skills and simulation.
Cardiac electrophysiology (science of elucidating, diagnosing and treating the electrical activities of the heart).
Epicardial adipose tissue associations with atrial fibrillation.
Heart Failure with preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF) diagnosis and treatment.
Diagnostic decision support systems (computer assisted differential diagnosis).
Conducting translational research (promoting entrepreneurship and commercialization).
Simulation and acquisition of expertise within the clinical domain (pedagogy).
Simulation and Clinical Skills Centre | Edinburgh Napier University
Simulation-based education at Edinburgh Napier University is a cornerstone of our commitment to providing high-quality, practical training for nursing, midwifery, Allied Health Professionals and Social Work students. Our Simulation and Clinical Skills Centre offers a stimulating environment where students can develop and refine their clinical skills through realistic scenarios and high fidelity simulations. This approach ensures that our graduates are well-prepared for real-world clinical practice. By integrating advanced simulation technology, research and expert guidance, we develop confidence and competence in our students, ultimately contributing to improved patient care and safety.
