Katie Pavoni is an Associate Professor and Course Director for the BSc Paramedic Science at St George’s, University of London, one of the largest UK undergraduate paramedic programmes. Passionate about challenging the stigma that surrounds paramedic mental health, this has been a central focus of Katie’s pedagogical, leadership and scholarly activity.
In 2017, Katie undertook a pioneering role as pastoral lead for the paramedic department, a first within UK universities. Here she provides tailored individual support for learners, alongside leading the embedding of an innovative wellbeing curriculum within the BSc Paramedic Science. In addition, Katie launched the first Student Paramedic Blue Light Champion scheme in the UK, a formal volunteering opportunity affiliated to Mind, which has gained institutional and national recognition.
Katie is a member of the College of Paramedics Mental Health and Wellbeing Steering group and co-academic lead for the Future Workforce Mental Health Project where she has co-designed and implemented a national mental health and wellbeing curriculum for student paramedics for use by all 37 paramedic universities, a national wellbeing support tool which is accessible to 7,000 paramedic students, and designed mental health and wellbeing education for practice educators supporting early career paramedics. She is also co-wellbeing lead for Higher Education England, a wellbeing lead for Mind, and in her clinical work is a paramedic/mental health practitioner for South East Coast Ambulance Service.
Katie’s desire for parity within mental health education led to her creation of the first UK undergraduate paramedic mental health module, which incorporates co-creation with service users and the use of high-fidelity simulation to enhance learner confidence and knowledge within psychologically safe learning environments. She has also authored national and international psychological health guidelines. Katie’s innovative and creative approach to education has been shaped by her BA (Hons) Drama, Applied Theatre and Education from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, and her specialist mental health practice informed by her MSc Advanced Practice (Mental Health). Katie is committed to compassionate pedagogical leadership and strives to be an educator who is authentic, open, curious and dedicated to improving student support and the culture of healthcare education.