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A Birkenhead doctor who collapsed and died while walking with his family in the Peak District has been honoured with a new research fellowship in his name, as reported by the Wirral Globe.
Dr Hassan Burhan was a respiratory consultant at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital and died suddenly during the family walk back in May. His unexpected and shocking death prompted a wide range of tributes from colleagues and patients.
The Huddersfield-born doctor is being honoured with a new research programme launched by University Hospitals of Liverpool Group (UHL). The Burhan Principal Investigator Research Fellowship is designed to give clinicians protected time to develop and lead research alongside their clinical work.
33 clinicians from across UHL have been awarded the fellowships. Fellows will receive mentorship and support to build research leadership skills, attract external funding and grow Liverpool's reputation as a centre for clinical research.
The scheme is reflective of Dr Burhan's career path. He was a former Ronald Finn Research Fellow who completed a PhD while continuing clinical work, and was known for encouraging colleagues to pursue academic careers alongside patient care.
The fellowships were presented at a memorial event for the doctor on September 1. Family, friends and colleagues gathered to celebrate Dr Burhan's life and his work.
Professor Terry Jones, UHL's Director of Research and Innovation, described the programme as "an important investment in our clinical workforce and our research future, and a fitting tribute to the lasting impact of Dr Burhan's clinical and research work".
One of the first fellows is Diane McCarter, an Advanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioner at Liverpool Women's University Hospital. She said: "This award will provide valuable time for me to complete my PhD study, which explores the use of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis on the neonatal unit. As a nurse practitioner combining clinical work with research activity, this award allows me to strengthen my own clinical academic presence."
