Avril Culatto

Dr Avril Culatto is a GP working in Ramsgate and GP fellow in Coastal Deprivation at KMMS.

Avril completed the Greater Manchester Deprivation GP training program, which had a focus on training GPs to deliver good quality healthcare in the context challenges and complexities of deprivation. Prior to this she was an Obstetrics and Gynaecology trainee in the North West and completed foundation training at Manchester Royal Infirmary.

Avril previously undertook her masters dissertation looking at factors associated with women who unsuccessfully complete treatment for substance misuse. She has completed/is undertaking several QIPs usually related to her interest in women's and reducing barriers to accessing to healthcare. As a student she undertook a project on Asylum Seekers' Experience of Pregnancy, she won first prize for her essay which she presented at the RCOG.

During the coastal deprivation research fellowship Avril has set up the SPEAK (coaStal dePrivation and the role of focusEd cAre worKers) Study. Using qualitative methodology she is looking at the experience of referrers and users of focused care who help people experiencing the adverse effects of the wider determinants of health.

She is currently undertaking a project to reduce barriers to accessing healthcare undertaking proactive health reviews in those who might not easily be able to or reluctant to access healthcare, particularly focusing on the local homeless population.

As a GP with specific training in working in deprived areas Avril is particularly keen in considering the effect of the wider determinants of health on an individual’s well-being. With a background in women’s health this is a particular area of interest.

Undertaking research and working in an area of coastal deprivation I’m keen to hear about other research been undertaken in similar areas and connect with those who have similar interests.

Email: avril.culatto@kmms.ac.uk

Affiliation: Kent and Medway Medical School, United Kingdom