Our Story
Our Team
We are a small team of passionate individuals, sharing one vision: to improve access to clinical academia for all. We are always welcoming people to the team, whether through micro-volunteering or through more established roles. If you are interested in joining us in some way, please get in touch.
The Beacon Academy is currently delivered by Dr Thomas Dale MacLaine and Dr Chloe Berg. We work closely with Professor Kirstie Haywood in Warwick Medical School to facilitate progression and continue our incredibly strong staff-student liaison links. We’re delighted to be working with her and Emma Hall, to cohesively coordinate the senior level Beacon Academy work.
Dr Thomas Dale MacLaine
Dr. Thomas Dale MacLaine is a dedicated educator and researcher with a passion for advancing equity and inclusion in medical academia. He is a Trauma and Orthopaedics Surgical Trainee at NHS Tayside. He holds an MBChB from Warwick Medical School, a PhD from the University of Leeds, and a BSc (Hons) from the University of Dundee.
As the founder and co-chair of The Beacon Academy, Dr. Dale MacLaine is committed to expanding opportunities for clinical students from under-represented groups across the UK. His vision is to create pathways for these students to engage in clinical academia, thereby enhancing diversity within research projects and the broader academic community.
Prior to establishing The Beacon Academy, Dr. Dale MacLaine delivered internships through INSIPRE, an academic internship program designed for medical students. He has also hosted academic conferences and contributed to various research teams at both Leeds and Warwick, gaining invaluable experience in academic leadership and collaboration.
Dr. Dale MacLaine specialises in academic skills training, equipping students with essential tools for success in research. His expertise includes guiding students on how to work effectively with supervisors, define impactful research questions, create compelling abstracts and presentations, and write manuscripts for publication.
With a steadfast commitment to fostering an inclusive academic environment, Dr. Dale MacLaine continues to inspire the next generation of medical professionals, ensuring that diverse voices are represented in clinical research and education.
Dr Chloe Berg
Dr Chloe Berg (FY1) graduated from Warwick Medical School and has since demonstrated a keen interest in paediatrics and education, with a particular focus on supporting underrepresented groups. During her time at Warwick, Dr Berg worked with the Athena SWAN initiative, promoting gender equality in academic medicine.
For two years, she played a pivotal role in delivering the Beacon Internships at Warwick University, a program dedicated to creating educational and professional opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds. Through these internships, participants gained valuable skills in healthcare innovation and clinical research, while receiving mentorship and support.
With her passion for education and her dedication to fostering inclusion, Dr Berg aspires to continue her work in paediatrics and educational development, championing equal opportunities for future generations of healthcare professionals.
Our origin story
