Geoff Wykurz has a background in community development, with an interest in community-oriented health professions education. Research and evaluation work includes undertaking a three year evaluation programme for the NHS Executive on collaboration between medical schools and NHS organisations and another with the King’s Fund, evaluating projects on patient and public involvement between the voluntary sector and primary care trusts. Consultancy includes a review of community-oriented medical education at Afhad University for Women, Sudan and staff development on Community Development and Collaboration with the Faculty of Health, Natal Technikon, South Africa.
He ran the ‘Community Module’ at Barts & the London Medical School for several years through which medical and dental students developed an awareness of the perspectives of local people in east London on factors affecting their health and well-being. While at the University of Westminster he has lead the MA in Community Development (developing new modules on power and empowerment, anti-oppressive practice and international perspectives) before taking up the role of Head of Department. Geoff Wykurz has worked with a local health centre in Westminster to establish the only Patient Partnership Group in the borough. Recent work includes developing a Community Leadership Course for Haringey Council and collaborating with the University of Lucerne on a new Masters in International Community Development.