Mrs Chris Coughlin (Secretary):
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chris.coughlin@wales.nhs.uk
+44 (0) 75 622 712 52
+44 (0) 1633234387
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MBBS, MD | MRCP UK | MRCP (Geriatrics) | FRCP Edin
Consultant Physician & Geriatrician with specialist interest in Stroke Medicine
The Full Story
I graduated from Patna Medical College (previously Prince of Wales Medical College), India in 1996. Afterwards, I completed postgraduate training in General Internal Medicine with research work in Diabetes, leading to award of MD in 2001 from CSJM Kanpur University, India. I then worked as a cardiology registrar with Escorts Heart Institute and Research Centre, New Delhi for 2 years. I relocated to UK for MRCP in 2003, very soon qualified and obtained a higher specialist registrar training number in General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics within South Wales.
Throughout my medical career, I have managed acute medical emergencies and chronic medical conditions including diabetes, hypertension, heart, lung, gastrointestinal, neurological, metabolic and infectious disease in young as well as elderly adults which has provided me vast general medical experience.
Through specialist training I have developed expertise in healthful ageing, Stroke & TIA management; Parkinson’s disease, Falls& syncope, Tilt table testing, Dementia, Delirium, Heart failure, Frailty, Osteoporosis & Bone health, Orthogeriatrics, Perioperative care, Rehabilitation & multimorbid long term conditions.
I am an accredited clinical and educational supervisor for trainee doctors and examiner for postgraduate MRCP (UK) PACES examination. I have lead postgraduate education for Geriatric Medicine and organised Gwent study days for Geriatrics & stroke. I have been an honorary clinical teacher at Cardiff University. As clinical director for medicine for older people in Royal Gwent Hospital since 2019 I have led a large multidisciplinary team in service improvement and quality improvement proects .
I have presented in various national and international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals. I enjoy lecturing on a wide range of topics including comprehensive geriatric assessments, successful ageing, prognostication at old age, stroke/TIA management, post-stroke recovery, polypharmacy issues, Atrial fibrillation, anticoagulation in ageing, dementia, delirium & medicolegal aspects in elderly care.
Through my NHS leadership role I am well familiar with the local community’s unique health needs.
I have had privilege to become first geriatrician to offer private & personalized consultations in wales through St Joseph Hospital in Wales.
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Published Works/Papers
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I Singh, K Morgan, A Verma, G Belludi, S Aithal. Does nurse’s education reduce their work-related stress in the care of older people, Journal of Clinical Gerontology and Geriatrics 6, 1; March 15,34-37
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Khanna K, Verma A, Richard B. “The locked-in syndrome”: Can it be unlocked? Journal of Clinical Gerontology and Geriatrics, Dec 2011,2;4:96-99
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Verma A, Hasan T. Thyroid disorders in older people. Reviews in Clinical Gerontology, Aug 2009, 18; 3:193-206
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Verma A. Stroke in young adults- A review. Welsh Stroke Bulletin Sept 2008; 18:8-12
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Malik A, Verma A, Richard B, Khanna P. Epilepsy in Stroke. GM2, 2009; 39; supplement 5:8-11
Professional Memberships
Membership of professional bodies: GMC, British Medical Association, British Geriatrics Society, Welsh Association of Stroke Physicians.
Member, BMA Welsh Consultant Committee.
Current NHS/Research Position
Clinical Director, Medicine for older people, Royal Gwent Hospital, ABUHB, Newport.