Dr Fanning's interests centre on the development of clinical competence within a moral mode of practice and the factors that shape effective medical practice. He is particularly interesting in exploring and developing clinical reasoning and clinical decision‑making, with an emphasis on how learners acquire, apply, and refine these skills in authentic clinical environments supported by clinical reflection. He also has a strong interest in the design, delivery, and evaluation of clinical skills education, including life support training and the optimisation of simulation‑based learning.

Alongside these pedagogical interests, Dr Fanning is committed to educator development and the creation of supportive, inclusive learning cultures. This includes work related to student support, widening participation, and equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) within medical education.