Dr. Dewhurst studies two main areas: the education of medical and surgical trainees, and the behavior of subatomic particles called neutrinos. In terms of education, he explores how distance learning programs can improve surgical training, especially in adapting materials for developing countries like Malawi. He has shown that online courses can significantly increase pass rates for professional exams. On the physics side, his research investigates how neutrinos and their counterparts, antineutrinos, interact with various materials, uncovering patterns and behaviors that can enhance our understanding of the fundamental components of the universe.
Key findings
Dr. Dewhurst's distance learning program increased the pass rate for Royal College of Surgeons exams from 51% to 67% over six years for surgical trainees.
In a study of 51 patients, only 4 out of 14 with significant vestibular issues were also identified by the video head impulse test (vHIT), indicating limited effectiveness of the vHIT.
He found that the cross-section for electron neutrino interactions with carbon is approximately 1.11 x 10^-38 cm² per nucleon, closely matching predictions from theoretical models.
Research on neutrino oscillations at T2K indicated that there are 32 observed neutrino events compared to 4 antineutrino events, suggesting asymmetrical behavior.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Dewhurst study balance disorders?
Yes, he researched the effectiveness of different tests for balance disorders, specifically comparing the video head impulse test to air calorics.
What treatments has Dr. Dewhurst researched?
His work primarily focuses on educational treatments for surgical trainees and methods to enhance learning through online courses.
Is Dr. Dewhurst's work relevant to surgical trainees?
Absolutely, his studies on distance learning have shown significant improvements in surgical education and exam pass rates.
Does Dr. Dewhurst conduct research in particle physics?
Yes, he conducts research on neutrinos and their interactions, contributing valuable insights into fundamental physics.
How does Dr. Dewhurst's work help students in Malawi?
His studies have explored the feasibility of distance learning programs to provide better surgical education opportunities to trainees in Malawi.
Publications in plain English
Combined Analysis of Neutrino and Antineutrino Oscillations at T2K.
2017
Physical review letters
Abe K, Amey J, Andreopoulos C, Antonova M, Aoki S +314 more
Plain English This study looked at neutrinos and antineutrinos, tiny particles essential for understanding the universe, to see if they behave differently. Researchers analyzed data collected from 2010 to 2016 and found 32 events with one type of neutrino and 4 events with its antineutrino, indicating that neutrinos might not follow a simple pattern. They found strong evidence that symmetry (called CP conservation) does not hold true in their observations, which is important for understanding fundamental physics and the early universe.
Who this helps: This helps physicists and researchers studying the nature of matter and the universe.
Measurement of Muon Antineutrino Oscillations with an Accelerator-Produced Off-Axis Beam.
2016
Physical review letters
Abe K, Andreopoulos C, Antonova M, Aoki S, Ariga A +324 more
Plain English This study examined how muon antineutrinos disappear as they travel from one point to another, specifically using a beam produced in Japan. Researchers found that there were 34 events where the antineutrinos behaved as expected, with specific characteristics related to their "flavor change" measured at a distance of 295 kilometers. This discovery helps to confirm our understanding of how these particles behave, which is important for particle physics and could impact future experiments.
Who this helps: This research benefits physicists and scientists studying fundamental particles.
Measurement of Coherent π^{+} Production in Low Energy Neutrino-Carbon Scattering.
2016
Physical review letters
Abe K, Andreopoulos C, Antonova M, Aoki S, Ariga A +334 more
Plain English This study looked at how neutrinos interact with carbon to produce charged pions (π^{+}) at low energy, specifically less than 1.5 GeV. The researchers found that the number of these interactions was higher than expected based on previous experiments but lower than predicted by models used to forecast such events. This matters because it helps improve our understanding of neutrino behavior and the fundamental processes involved in nuclear interactions.
Who this helps: This benefits researchers in particle physics and could inform future neutrino experiments.
A study of the relationship between the video head impulse test and air calorics.
2015
European archives of oto-rhino-laryngology : official journal of the European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS) : affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Bell SL, Barker F, Heselton H, MacKenzie E, Dewhurst D +1 more
Plain English This study looked at two tests used to assess balance problems: the video head impulse test (vHIT) and air calorics. Researchers found that out of 51 patients, only 4 out of 14 with significant vestibular issues identified by air calorics also showed problems on the vHIT, indicating that the vHIT might not be as effective in detecting certain balance disorders. This is important because it shows that while the vHIT can be a helpful tool in diagnosing balance disorders, it should not replace the air caloric test.
Who this helps: This helps patients seeking accurate diagnosis of balance disorders and doctors looking for reliable test options.
Measurement of the inclusive electron neutrino charged current cross section on carbon with the T2K near detector.
2014
Physical review letters
Abe K, Adam J, Aihara H, Akiri T, Andreopoulos C +317 more
Plain English This study focused on understanding how electron neutrinos interact with carbon, specifically measuring the rate of these interactions at energy levels around 1 GeV. The researchers found that the average interaction rate, known as the cross-section, is about 1.11 x 10^-38 cm² per nucleon, which aligns closely with predictions from computer models used to simulate neutrino behavior. These findings are important because they enhance our understanding of neutrino physics, which can improve future experiments and our knowledge of fundamental particles.
Who this helps: This helps researchers and scientists working in particle physics and related fields.
Distance learning improves attainment of professional milestones in the early years of surgical training.
2013
Annals of surgery
Smith PJ, Wigmore SJ, Paisley A, Lamb P, Richards JM +5 more
Plain English This study looked at how an online Master of Surgical Sciences degree helped surgical trainees do better in their professional exams. Over six years, 517 trainees from 40 countries participated, and results showed that students who completed the online master's had a 67% pass rate on their Royal College of Surgeons exams, compared to just 51% for those who didn't take the course. This matters because it indicates that distance learning can significantly enhance early surgical training and improve students' chances of advancing in their careers.
Who this helps: This helps surgical trainees and doctors looking to improve their qualifications.
Plain English This study looked at the possibility of offering online surgery courses to doctors in Malawi, where educational resources are scarce. Researchers found that Malawian trainees were very interested in distance learning, particularly in basic subjects like anatomy and physiology. However, they also noted that the current course materials from Edinburgh would need significant changes to fit the needs of Malawian students, and slow, costly Internet access remains a barrier.
Who this helps: This benefits medical trainees in Malawi seeking better education in surgery.
Justice foundations for the Comprehensive Law Movement.
2010
International journal of law and psychiatry
Dewhurst D
Plain English This paper looks at new ways to solve disputes that don't rely on traditional court systems, referred to as the Comprehensive Law Movement. The authors found that there are nine different approaches that share common goals and can work together while remaining distinct. They argue that to really understand these approaches, we need a better set of standards for evaluating them, which can come from a theory of justice that emphasizes fairness and moral principles.
Who this helps: This benefits judges, lawyers, and anyone involved in resolving disputes.
Online virtual patients - A driver for change in medical and healthcare professional education in developing countries?
2009
Medical teacher
Dewhurst D, Borgstein E, Grant ME, Begg M
Plain English Researchers studied how online virtual patients can improve medical education in Malawi. They created over 20 virtual patients tailored to local needs and trained healthcare educators to use these digital resources effectively. This approach has helped educators adapt to new teaching methods, manage growing student numbers, and improve their professional skills.
Who this helps: This benefits medical students, educators, and ultimately patients in Malawi by improving the quality of healthcare education.
Computer-based alternatives in higher education--past, present and future.
2006
ALTEX
Dewhurst D
Plain English This study looked at the use of computer-based alternatives to animal testing in higher education and how to encourage teachers to adopt these tools. Researchers found that many existing alternatives, developed in the 1990s, are now outdated and hard to use, but there's a new project aimed at modernizing these resources. By improving the technology and making it easier for teachers to use and modify, the goal is to reduce the number of animals used in education.
Who this helps: This benefits students and educators who want more ethical teaching methods.
The Edinburgh Electronic Veterinary Curriculum: an online program-wide learning and support environment for veterinary education.
2005
Journal of veterinary medical education
Ellaway R, Pettigrew G, Rhind S, Dewhurst D
Plain English The Edinburgh Electronic Veterinary Curriculum (EEVeC) is an online learning platform designed for veterinary students at the University of Edinburgh. It includes tools like course materials, personalized schedules, and interactive features such as quizzes and discussion forums. Usage data shows that students are actively engaging with the platform, especially in the evenings and weekends, and overall use has increased as more features are added, which helps enhance their learning experience.
Who this helps: This benefits veterinary students by providing them with better resources and support for their education.
Computer-based alternatives to using animals in teaching physiology and pharmacology to undergraduate students.
2004
Alternatives to laboratory animals : ATLA
Dewhurst D
Plain English This study explored how computer simulations can replace animal labs in teaching pharmacology and physiology to undergraduate students in the UK. The findings show that these simulations can meet many learning goals of traditional animal labs, but they can't teach skills like animal handling or surgery. This is important because it can lower costs and make education more accessible while still providing valuable learning experiences.
Who this helps: This benefits students and educational institutions looking for effective teaching methods without relying on animal use.
How can we encourage teachers to use computer-based alternatives: the UK higher education experience.
2004
Alternatives to laboratory animals : ATLA
Dewhurst D
Plain English This study looked at how to encourage teachers in UK higher education to use computer programs instead of live animals for teaching subjects like pharmacology and physiology. The findings showed that computer simulations can effectively meet teaching goals for many students, and with the right strategies, teachers can be motivated to adopt these alternatives more widely. This is important because it can help reduce animal testing in education while still providing quality learning experiences for students.
Who this helps: This benefits students and educators by providing ethical teaching methods.
The European Resource Centre for Alternatives in Higher Education.
2004
Alternatives to laboratory animals : ATLA
de Boo J, Dewhurst D, van der Valk J
Plain English This research paper discusses a new project called the European Resource Centre for Alternatives in Higher Education (EURCA), which aims to help teachers reduce the use of animals in their teaching. The initiative includes creating a resource center with online tools, building a network of educators who utilize alternatives, and developing a website with comprehensive information on effective teaching methods that do not involve animals. This is important because it promotes innovative teaching practices and helps ensure quality education for science students while also protecting animal welfare.
Who this helps: This benefits teachers and science students by providing them with better educational resources and reducing reliance on animal testing.
Managing and supporting medical education with a virtual learning environment: the Edinburgh Electronic Medical Curriculum.
2003
Medical teacher
Ellaway R, Dewhurst D, Cumming A
Plain English This study examined the Edinburgh Electronic Medical Curriculum (EEMeC), a virtual learning environment designed to enhance medical education by combining online and in-person teaching methods. The results showed that both students and faculty have had a positive experience with EEMeC, finding it effective and useful for managing the course. This is important because it highlights how well-integrated online resources can support medical training, making it easier for everyone involved to access information and stay organized.
Who this helps: This benefits students and teaching staff in medical education.
Alternatives to the Use of Animals in Higher Education: The Report and Recommendations of ECVAM (European Centre for the Validation of Alternate Methods) Workshop 33.
1999
Alternatives to laboratory animals : ATLA
van der Valk J, Dewhurst D, Hughes I, Atkinson J, Balcombe J +9 more
Unity and diversity in psychiatry: some philosophical issues.
1996
The Australian and New Zealand journal of psychiatry
Dewhurst D, Watson IP
Plain English This paper explores the importance of having different perspectives in psychiatry rather than sticking to a strict focus on biological explanations. The authors argue that using various approaches can give a more complete understanding of mental health and human behavior. They emphasize that these different viewpoints can work together rather than compete, leading to better treatment outcomes in psychiatry.
Who this helps: This helps patients seeking comprehensive mental health care and doctors looking for effective treatment strategies.
Plain English This study looked at how watching a moving scene affects our body's balance. Researchers found that when people looked at a big moving picture, they leaned in the direction of the motion, and even after the movement stopped, they continued to lean the opposite way for a few seconds. This matters because it helps us understand how our brain keeps track of body position and balance, which can influence how we design environments for better safety and comfort.
Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from balance disorders and researchers studying body movement.