DrClaire Mulhall

Dr Claire Mulhall is a Lecturer in Simulation at the RCSI SIM Centre for Simulation Education and Research. She serves as the academic lead for RCSI's Simulated Participant (SP) programme and communication skills lead for the medical school. With expertise in education, curriculum design and SP methodology, she is dedicated to enhancing student learning through innovative, experiential approaches that bridge clinical education and practice.

Claire holds a PhD in Geology and a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Professions Education. Her research examines how experiential learning, particularly SP methodology, transforms communication skills development in health professions education. At the heart of her work is the co-design of SP cases with patient partners and knowledge users, ensuring that simulated learning experiences are grounded in lived experience and reflect the authentic voices of those navigating healthcare systems. This collaborative approach not only enriches educational content but also advances principles of partnership, equity and patient-centred care. Beyond her research, she is passionate about mentoring educators and fostering collaborative learning environments. She co-teaches with colleagues across Departments and Schools and advocates for simulation as a vital tool for continuous professional development and healthcare improvement.

Claire serves as chair of the Education and Research workstream of the RCSI Race Equality Forum, member of the RCSI SIM Steering Committee, member of the RCSI Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) committee and chair of its Remuneration Workstream, where she develops policies and procedures for education partners including SPs. Beyond RCSI Dublin, she delivers interdisciplinary faculty development training at the ASSERT Centre, Cork, has provided SP training and faculty development at RCSI Bahrain: Medical University of Bahrain and serves on the Association of SP Educators (ASPE) Modules Committee and Grants and Research Committee.

She completed her PhD and BA in Geology at Trinity College Dublin and previously held a postdoctoral research position at the School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin.