Maria Clark

Maria’s interest in health services began in 2006 when going through genetic counselling for a rare genetic condition. Since this time she has been involved both as a user in maternity and gynaecological services and as a supporter for various family members across a range of NHS departments.

Maria spent 10 years working as a solicitor supporting people disabled as a result of the negligence of others - clinicians, employers and others. She has also worked within the third sector for disability organisations and those aiming to redress the balance in health inequalities.

Maria holds various public involvement and engagement positions and is driven to ensure researchers work with patients and the public throughout the whole life cycle of a research project, with an emphasis on full collaboration and co-production. She works closely with The University of Sheffield as an external research ethics reviewer and is also a member of its Research Ethics Committee.

Maria is at member of the Women’s Network at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and a lay examiner for their part 3 MROCG examination. She also sits as lay member for the College of General Dentistry (previously the Royal College of Surgeons Faculty of General Dental Practice) and was awarded an Honorary Fellowship in 2020. Maria is Vice-Chair of the Patient Liaison Group at the British Medical Association. More locally she is a member of her local patient participation group and is Patient Champion at her GP Practice.