In a landmark achievement for the emergency services sector, paramedic Robert Till has become the first student to be awarded a Professional Doctorate in Emergency Services Management by Edge Hill University. The 47-year-old, who serves as Head of Integrated Urgent Care at West Midlands Ambulance Service, has spent the last seven years juggling a demanding frontline career with rigorous academic research.
A Unique Programme for Senior Leaders
The professional doctorate programme at Edge Hill is specifically tailored for senior leaders in police, fire, and ambulance services, equipping them to navigate the complexities of fast-evolving operational environments. Till's achievement underscores the value of this advanced qualification, which bridges the gap between academic theory and practical application.
His doctoral research tackled a critical healthcare challenge: investigating how different approaches to patient care, including alternatives to A&E, affect quality and performance across ambulance services. The findings are already making waves, with Till's work being cited by a House of Lords Select Committee and influencing national policy discussions.
Research with Real-World Impact
“My thesis explored how different ambulance service models can help patients avoid unnecessary hospital trips,” Till explained. “I developed two new improvement models designed to enhance the patient experience and reduce pressure on hospitals.”
His research has not remained confined to academia. Till has been seconded to the NHS England ‘Getting It Right First Time’ (GIRFT) team, where he is applying his findings to review and improve ambulance processes across England and Wales. This hands-on approach ensures that his work directly shapes frontline practice, benefiting patients and healthcare systems alike.
A Personal and Family Milestone
Till, who hails from Shropshire, was joined at his graduation ceremony by his partner Mike, also an ambulance service employee, his daughter Sophie, a veterinary science student, and his brother and sister-in-law. Reflecting on the journey, he said: “Earning my professional doctorate has been a challenge and a humbling experience that has taught me as much about perseverance as it did about research.”
“I’m grateful for the support I’ve had throughout this journey from my employer, supervision team and family. My research into non-conveyance highlights how the choices we make at the front door of healthcare directly influence quality, outcomes and system performance. I hope this work helps leaders and clinicians strengthen decision-making and build more resilient models to deliver safe, effective urgent care.”
Recognition from Academia
Professor Paresh Wankhade, Director of Research in Edge Hill’s Business School, praised Till’s dedication: “It has been a privilege to supervise Rob. His study provides an empirically tested model for addressing patient care and hospital performance. This is a significant milestone for both Rob and the Business School’s commitment to scholarly support.”
Till’s achievement is particularly notable as he is the first in his family to attend university. “My motto has been ‘why not me?’” he said. “I left school with only basic qualifications but that wasn’t a barrier. The support I received at Edge Hill was incredible. Now I am a doctor, helping major organisations improve patient care and seeing my research influence national policy.”
Encouraging Others to Return to Education
Till’s journey from school leaver with basic qualifications to a professional doctorate holder serves as an inspiration for those considering a return to education. “To anyone considering a return to education, I say go for it. Your professional experience is a massive asset,” he added.
Edge Hill University continues to offer opportunities for lifelong learning, with the next Open Day scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026. For those interested in pursuing similar qualifications, the university’s professional doctorate programme offers a pathway for senior professionals to turn their practical expertise into impactful research.
