Fiona Patterson

Fiona began her career as an occupational psychologist at Ford Motor Company (Global) then later as Head of Occupational Psychology for the Boots Corporation Plc. Following completion of her PhD at the University of Nottingham she subsequently held academic positions at the University of Nottingham and then the University of Sheffield.

In 2003, Fiona joined City University, London as Professor of Organisational Psychology where she established the Organisational Psychology Group, a teaching and research unit, and became Director of Research for the School of Social Sciences.

She remains a Visiting Professor at City University and is an Honorary Professor in Medical Education at the University of Nottingham. Fiona is also a Director and founder of the Work Psychology Group, a research-led consulting practice.

Her programme of research uniquely involves the development of theoretical models of important non-cognitive attributes and skills required by doctors (such as empathy, communication and integrity) and the related design, implementation and validation of assessment methodologies. Fiona’s activities have provided evidence for the introduction of innovative selection methodologies in medical selection such as situational judgement tests (SJT) and selection centres. These methods are now being adopted by all medical Royal Colleges in the UK and the Medical Schools Council. Internationally, Fiona advises on high stakes selection methodology across a range of settings and her research has been embraced in countries including, Australia, Netherlands and Denmark.