Dr Sam Thenabadu

Dr Sam Thenabadu has been a Consultant in Adult and Paediatric Emergency Medicine since 2011 at the Princess Royal University Hospital, part of King’s College NHS Trust in London. His extensive clinical practice spans both adult and paediatric emergency care, allowing him to manage a wide spectrum of acute medical and trauma presentations. He has additional experience in pre-hospital emergency care and has played a prominent role in event medicine. Since 2015, he has served as the Chief Medical Adviser and Lead Crowd Doctor at the London Olympic Stadium, providing oversight for medical planning and emergency response at large-scale public events.

Dr Thenabadu’s clinical interests include emergency and paediatric emergency medicine, with a strong emphasis on high-acuity, time-sensitive conditions. He has particular expertise in event medicine, where he integrates clinical care with crowd and safety management. His interests also extend to pre-hospital care and major trauma, reflecting his commitment to improving early intervention and outcomes in emergency settings.

Dr Thenabadu’s research is focused on medical education, paediatric emergency medicine, and clinical leadership. He is particularly interested in how educational frameworks can enhance clinical performance and patient safety. His contributions to the academic field have influenced both undergraduate curricula and continuing professional development in emergency care.

An accomplished educator, Dr Thenabadu is an Associate Professor at King’s College London and Programme Director for the MBBS course at the GKT School of Medicine. He has taught and supervised students at all levels of medical training. He holds an MA in Clinical Medical Education and is a Fellow of both the Academy of Medical Educators and the Higher Education Academy. His approach to teaching combines academic rigour with clinical relevance, aiming to prepare the next generation of medical professionals for excellence in practice.

Dr Thenabadu is a highly productive academic author and editor. He is the primary editor of 13 medical textbooks, including Get Through the MCEM Part B and Challenging Concepts in Emergency Medicine, both widely used by trainees in emergency medicine. He has also authored multiple peer-reviewed journal articles, contributing to the literature in clinical practice, medical education, and healthcare leadership.

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In addition to his clinical work, Dr Thenabadu has held several significant leadership positions in healthcare and medical education. He is currently the Programme Director for the MBBS degree at GKT Medical School and previously served as Deputy Dean of the School. Within the NHS, he has been Associate Director of Medical Education at King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Clinical Lead for Paediatric Emergency Medicine. He also served nationally as the Associate Medical Director for St John Ambulance UK. These roles have equipped him with deep experience in strategic leadership, clinical governance, workforce development, and academic programme delivery.

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