Dr Derek Santos graduated at Queen Margaret Univeristy in 1998 with a 1st class BSc (Hons) in podiatry, he then received his PhD 2006. At present Derek is continuing his interest in foot and ankle surgery by completing his MSc podiatric surgery (theory ). Derek has also completed a number of other postgraduate courses including intra and extra-articular joint injections; and accupuncture in the lower limb.

Derek has lectured at QMU since 2003 and before this he worked in Private Practice and was Audit Coordinator at the Borders Health Board, Scotland. He teaches in the undergraduate programme Clinical Management 2, Orthotics 1 and 2, Research Methods and Statistics, and IPE3. Derek contributes to postgraduate courses as the Module Coordinator for Reseach Methods to all the MSc programmes in the School of Health Sciences and also teaches on other modules in various programmes including the MSc Diabetes, MSc Podiatric Medicine modules. He also contributes to the delivery of the distance learning module, Evidence Based Practice, to the BSc Conversion Programme in the subject areas of Podiatry, Physiotherapy, Radiography and Occupational therapy. Derek also contributes to the teaching of research methods and analysis to post-graduate research students undertaking Philosophy Degrees and Professional Docturate Degrees.

Derek also has clinical commitments at QMU and is responsible for the biomechanics undergraduate teaching clinic and the surgical operating suite where students learn and carry out local anaesthesia and nail surgery.