Dr Richard Buka BMedSc (Hons), MBChB (Hons)

Dr Richard Buka

Department of Cardiovascular Sciences
Clinical Research Fellow

Contact details

Address
University of Birmingham
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B15 2TT
UK

Rich is a haematology registrar and clinical research fellow and is currently undertaking a PhD. His laboratory research focuses on mechanisms of platelet activation in immunothrombosis particularly vaccine-induced thrombosis and thrombocytopaenia (VITT). In his clinical research, he works collaboratively, chairing HaemSTAR, a UK-wide network for haematology trainees interested in non-malignant haematology. He is leading HaemSTAR’s flagship project ‘RAPIDO’ which is studying the use of reversal agents for patients bleeding on direct oral anticoagulants across the UK.  

Qualifications

  • Membership of the Royal College of Physicians (London) 2017
  • MBChB (Hons), University of Birmingham, 2013
  • BMedSc (Hons), University of Birmingham, 2012

Biography

Rich trained in medicine at the University of Birmingham between 2007 and 2013, completing an additional intercalated degree in Clinical Science. On graduation, he completed the Academic Foundation Programme and then moved on to an NIHR Academic Clinical Fellowship in Haematology. Through this time, he developed both clinical and laboratory research interests. He is now undertaking a PhD under the supervision of Pip Nicolson and Samantha Montague in the platelet group at the University of Birmingham where he is studying mechanisms of platelet activation in PF4-mediated immunothrombotic disorders.

His clinical research has recently focused on the use of reversal agents in the treatment of patients who bleed whilst taking direct oral anticoagulants. He is leading the retrospective, UK-wide RAPIDO study that is investigating how reversal agents are used and the project has gathered data on over 2,000 patients.

Teaching

Rich teaches on the MSci year 4 haematology module

Research

  • Investigating mechanisms of platelet activation in PF4-mediated immunothrombotic disorders
  • Investigating the use of reversal agents for direct oral anticoagulants in the UK
  • Leading HaemSTAR to deliver collaborative, multi-centre audits and research

Research Groups and Centres

Other activities

Rich is a trustee and the chair of HaemSTAR, a charity and UK-wide network of haematology trainees who are interested in research in non-malignant haematology. HaemSTAR fosters a supportive environment to deliver important collaborative audits and research in non-malignant haematological conditions. To find out more about HaemSTAR, head to www.haemstar.org. He has been chair since June 2023 and previously served on the committee as communications lead from 2020.

Rich blogs regularly at classicalcompass.substack.com and hosts a podcast ‘Don’t Just Read the Guidelines’. Recently, along with Pip Nicolson, he has been awarded funding to produce another podcast ‘Don’t Just Read the Abstract’ which will review and critically appraise the latest developments in non-malignant haematology.