Dr. Ashok Patnaik

• PhD in Organisational Sociology, University of Huddersfield, 2017
• Master of Letters (M.Litt.) in Modern English Literature, University of Glasgow, 2008
• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in English Literature, University of Mumbai, 2007

Ashok began his post-doctoral career working as a Policy and Information Analyst for Healthwatch Suffolk where he analysed information on the lived experiences of patients using healthcare services across Essex to inform policy-making. He then worked as a Research and Development Officer for Healthwatch Essex; in this role, Ashok had diverse responsibilities, including leading on a large survey of the mental health of secondary school students across Suffolk and the evaluation of an innovative new model of community nursing in the NHS. Ashok entered academia as a Post-Doctoral Researcher at Bournemouth University where he led the evaluation of a physical activity-based intervention (Stormbreak) designed to teach primary school-aged children simple strategies to care for their mental well-being.

Ashok then worked as a Principal Research Fellow at Canterbury ChristChurch University where he co-led several impact evaluations of physical activity-and-sport-based interventions aimed at increasing engagement and participation in sport among young people; supporting adults experiencing loneliness and substance abuse issues to improve their mental health and find social connection and a sense of community; and supporting busy healthcare staff working in General Practices to be more active.

Ashok’s current research employs sociological research methods to examine the career trajectories of ethnic minority doctors working in the NHS across the entire span of their career - from secondary school students applying to medical school, to medical school students, to doctors at the most junior and the most senior levels. Ashok is working with other UoB colleagues to understand how ethnic minority doctors experience the medical workplace, how they navigate through the challenges of a medical career, and what hinders or enables them to progress their careers.        

Ashok’s research is centred around the use of sociological research to investigate issues related to equity and effectiveness in health and healthcare. 

Current Research Interests 

Sociological research into ethnic minority doctors’ workplace experiences and career progression in medicine. 

Systematic literature reviews. 

Previous research interests 

Impact evaluations of school-based, community-based, and General Practice-based physical activity and sport interventions. 

Evaluation of a school-based physical activity programme to improve mental health and well-being in primary school-aged children. 

How organisational form and culture influence equity in service provision in the UK National Health Service. 

Ethnic minority patients’ access to healthcare services. 

Funded Project 

Principal Investigator, “Discharge to Assess Pathways Evaluation”. (September 2018 - February 2019). Award: £15,225, Integrated Care Network Board (Suffolk).