[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Section – Breadcrumbs” _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”30px||||false|false” custom_padding=”||3px|||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-50px|auto||auto|false|false” custom_padding=”10px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Research Breadcrumbs” _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” content__hover_enabled=”on|hover” content__hover=”<\/p>\n
Clinical and research career project <\/u><\/a> > Home<\/p>\n “]<\/p>\n Clinical and research career project <\/u><\/a> > Home<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Section – Header” _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”3px|||||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Txt – Header” _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Guide for Medical Students at the University of St Andrews<\/p>\n A summer project completed by Martina Schatz<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/medicine.st-andrews.ac.uk\/research-careers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/54\/2022\/07\/438983.thumb_.jpeg” alt=”students in dissection lab” title_text=”In-person teaching at the University of St Andrews during the Co” _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Nowadays there is a \u00a0growing stigma that you can either become a full-time researcher or a medical professional for the NHS, and that it is impossible to balance both contemporarily.<\/p>\n But what types research oppurtunities are there for medicine students and doctors? How can you join research projects and at what point of your career is it possible?<\/p>\n These are all questions that this project aims to answer, giving medical students a greater understanding about the world of research within medicine.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,1_4,1_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/medicine.st-andrews.ac.uk\/research-careers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/54\/2022\/07\/439107.thumb_.jpeg” alt=”students in lab” title_text=”Students wearing face-coverings during labwork, University of St” _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/medicine.st-andrews.ac.uk\/research-careers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/54\/2022\/07\/439020.thumb_.jpeg” alt=”students in dissection lab” title_text=”In-person teaching at the University of St Andrews during the Co” _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/medicine.st-andrews.ac.uk\/research-careers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/54\/2022\/07\/400870.thumb_.jpeg” alt=”students with microscope” title_text=”Students taking part in lab at the School of Psychology and Neur” _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/medicine.st-andrews.ac.uk\/research-careers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/54\/2022\/07\/438913.thumb_.jpeg” title_text=”Students wearing face-coverings during labwork, University of St” _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Research is vital within the medical field because it allows for the improvement of health of millions of patients and fosters development for the future of clinical practice. The two main types of research can be categorised as qualitative and quantitative research<\/strong>. Quantitative research incorporates numerical, non-descriptive, stastistical evaluation of information, while qualitative encompasses more exploratory, descriptive work focused on why and how decision making and reasoning occurs.<\/p>\n Additionally, there is a great variety of research within the medical field, some examples ranging from topics regarding global health to research projects on poor prognosis cancer or looking at inequalities in healthcare systems. Depending on the particular interest of each person the focus can be more on lab-based work, practical research convergent on clinical work or even in public health medicine. Not all research within the medical field is based on clinical trials, such as research on the improvement of healthcare systems in developing countries as well as the determinants of ill health and poverty and many more projects.\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n There are no restrictions to what type of research to go into and if there is motivation and interest, opportunities can arise that will allow you to get involved with different types of projects along the course of a medical career.<\/p>\n – Dr Frank Sullivan, Director of Research at the University of St Andrews<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_testimonial][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/medicine.st-andrews.ac.uk\/research-careers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/54\/2022\/07\/2.jpeg” alt=”student experiment ” title_text=”Mask-wearing students at the University of St Andrews taking par” _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/medicine.st-andrews.ac.uk\/research-careers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/54\/2022\/07\/3.jpeg” alt=”student and professor in lab” title_text=”Students wearing face-coverings during labwork, University of St” _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/medicine.st-andrews.ac.uk\/research-careers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/54\/2022\/07\/1.jpeg” alt=”students in the dissection room ” title_text=”In-person teaching at the University of St Andrews during the Co” _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A great way to start getting involved within the world of research is to start early in medical school. During the year we always have a lot of studying to do and we are not left with much of free time to dedicate to research projects, therefore if there is an interest a good idea would be to participate and get involved in summer projects<\/strong>. The university offers opportunities and these can allow you to start collaborating with professors on useful projects to further your knowledge. Alternatively, there are opportunities to join essay competitions<\/strong> and win prizes and gain some experience doing some independent work.<\/p>\n Getting involved with Bute Medical Society <\/strong>through their\u00a0events and conferences regarding this topic can be a useful first contact.<\/p>\n Additionally, medical students at the University of St Andrews are given protected time dedicated to writing a research dissertation in 3rd year<\/strong>. \u00a0If research is something you are considering alongside a clincal profession putting in some extra effort to attempt to publish your dissertation as a research paper would be an excellent way to enter this pathway.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n At end of medical school all students in the UK are required to perform a medical elective<\/strong> within the country, or abroad. This could be an additional opportunity to get involved with research and if interested in working abroad this would allow you to gather experiences collaborating in different environments.<\/p>\n – Dr Andrew Blaikie, Senior Lecturer at the University of St Andrews\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_accordion open_toggle_text_color=”#0071b3″ closed_toggle_text_color=”#0071b3″ toggle_icon=”3||divi||400″ icon_color=”#000000″ use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”45px” admin_label=”Accordion – FAQ” module_id=”open-close-accordion” module_class=”pa-add-accordion-icon” _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” toggle_text_color=”#0071b3″ toggle_level=”h3″ toggle_font=”|700|||on||||” custom_css_toggle=”margin-bottom: 0 !important;” border_width_all=”0px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” border_width_top=”0px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Dummy Item” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”display: none;” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”What skills can research help you develop? ” _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” background_enable_color=”on” border_width_top=”1px” border_color_top=”#000000″ border_color_bottom=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Research can allow you to develop many skills that can also be applicable to clinical work done, such as learning to think critically<\/strong> and how to assess medical literature<\/strong> properly. In the constantly evolving world, being a participant in research studies can not only allow you to remain up to date with advances in the medical field, but also can allow you to be part of the improvement of knowledge. As a clinical professional and researcher you can learn how to analyse, evaluate and expose data<\/strong> and apply it to patient centred care<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Furthermore, it offers oppurtunities to collaborate with universities and organisations not only in the UK but further afield, stimulating international improvements and collaborations<\/strong> worldwide in healthcare. Research has a great impact on health policy and global working relationships, giving you the oppurtunity of interacting with influential individuals, therefore highlighting the importance of seeking out and maintaining contact with mentors who can guide you through different research projects.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”What challenges can you be faced with? ” _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” background_enable_color=”on” border_width_top=”1px” border_color_top=”#000000″ border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n It can be very difficult to balance out clinical work with research as it demanding on time and comes with its difficulties. Taking on both clinical work with patients and research requires both a passion and organisation. It is always important to maintain a healthy work-life balance and being involved in both aspects can be rewarding, but is very demanding and it can be stressful due to the different work-loads.<\/p>\n Nowadays there is more pressure to specialise in either one field or the other and it can feel like you are are not dedicating your time and energies to either places properly. Additionally, advancements clinically and academically may be limited compared to professionals involved in only one field. In research, there is always a certain amount of uncertainty in the outcome of projects and it can lead to potential \u2018dead time\u2019, therefore individuals involved need to demonstrate patience and be able to use a variable skill set in their careers. Clinical work is seen as being more tangible, whereas in research the goal maybe further away and more intangible in the moment.<\/p>\n At the holistic level of patient care research is just as important as clinical work, but on a day to day basis with demands of working in a clinical department with critical patients it can be hard to immerse yourself in projects when there is nobody that can take on the clinical work when you are not there. It is crucial to focus on teamwork and creating an adequate working environment where clinical work can be delegated in order to provide research time to clinicians interested.\u00a0<\/p>\n \n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n After graduating medical school the standard timeline mecical professionals follow is outlined in the diagrams below:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/medicine.st-andrews.ac.uk\/research-careers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/54\/2022\/07\/IMG_AC0DCD40F8F9-1.jpeg” alt=”medical training pathway” title_text=”IMG_AC0DCD40F8F9-1″ _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A link to medical training pathway<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Rather than performing a standard foundation track, a specialised foundation track (previously named AFP) can be pursued with focus on research and education alongside clinical practice. The AFP track is open to medical students who are considering an academic career in clinical research. During the two year programme doctors are able to gain research and teaching skills, as well as their foundation programme of basic clinical competences. The types of programmes you get involved in vary according to location and individual preferences, although you tend to have a greater choice in where you end up compared to the standard foundation programme.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion open_toggle_text_color=”#0071b3″ closed_toggle_text_color=”#0071b3″ toggle_icon=”3||divi||400″ icon_color=”#000000″ use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”45px” module_id=”open-close-accordion” module_class=”pa-add-accordion-icon” _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” toggle_text_color=”#0071b3″ toggle_level=”h3″ toggle_font=”|700|||on||||” custom_css_toggle=”margin-bottom: 0 !important;” border_width_all=”0px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” border_width_top=”0px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Dummy Item” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”display: none;” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Advantages of AFP” _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” background_enable_color=”on” border_width_top=”1px” border_color_top=”#000000″ border_width_bottom=”1px” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n The specialised foundation programme is exciting. It provides an insight into the world of academic medicine that allows you to make more informed choices about your future career. You get dedicated time to investigate something you\u2019re passionate about and you have more independence in your work.\u00a0<\/p>\n You get to work alongside medical and non-medical colleagues who have knowledge and experience you can benefit from.\u00a0You will develop many transferable skills in academia that will stand you in good stead when you return to hospital. These include skills such as teaching and time management. You will also develop key skills for an academic career, such as experimental techniques, literature review, critical appraisal, or statistics.<\/p>\n During academic training you will have extra opportunities to produce posters, attend courses and conferences, give presentations, and submit publications. You will also have had the opportunity to develop your research interests and foster links with a department where you may want to work in the future.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Disadvantages of AFP ” _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” background_enable_color=”on” border_width_top=”1px” border_color_top=”#000000″ border_width_bottom=”1px” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n You cannot choose whether you want to pursue research or education in the programme and are allocated a position in either.<\/p>\n The academic foundation programme is hard work: you must obtain all of your clinical competences, but many times you have less time in hospital than your peers. Alongside clinical work you must complete the academic requirements which underlines how important it is to be motivated and organise your time well, in order to manage the competing demands. Additionally, being involved in research and education can feel more slow paced than hospital work and it can require more time to complete projects and publish papers.\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Clinical Academic Training in Scotland” _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” background_enable_color=”on” border_width_top=”1px” border_color_top=”#000000″ border_width_bottom=”1px” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n In Scotland during training, it is possible to follow an integrated training and career development pathway that enables clinicians to pursue academic and clincal training within the NHS. The program is called Scottish Clinical Research Excellence Development Scheme (SCREDS)<\/strong> and this can be done concurrently or sequentially to clinical specialisation. It is created to allow clinicians to become lecturers, do out-of programme research and allows for advanced academic career development such as becoming senior clinical fellows.<\/p>\n SCREDS programme\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Clinical Academic Training in England ” _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” background_enable_color=”on” border_width_top=”1px” border_color_top=”#000000″ border_width_bottom=”1px” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n On the other hand, in England it is possible to follow an integrated training and career development pathway that enables clinicians to pursue academic and clinical training with the National Institute for Health and Research (NIHR) <\/strong>and Health Education England (HEE).\u00a0<\/strong>The programme is called the Integrated Clinical Academic Pathway (ICA)<\/strong>.\u00a0It provides a opportunities to undertake fully funded research, research and academic training and professional development whilst maintaining a clinical job.<\/p>\n Integrated Academic Training<\/a><\/p>\n HEE-NIHR Integrated Clinical and Practitioner Academic Programme<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Clinical Academic Training in Canada” _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” background_enable_color=”on” border_width_top=”1px” border_color_top=”#000000″ border_width_bottom=”1px” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n In medical school at the University of Alberta, there are two combined MD and graduate degree options, including an MD\/MBA and MD\/PhD. \u00a0They also have MD-STIR (Special Training in Research) which assures students of sponsored supervision in the first two years and recognition on their parchment upon graduation.\u00a0 These can be viewed on the\u00a0website<\/a><\/p>\n Beyond that, at the residency training level, departments have their own strategies to prepare selected trainees as clinician scientists.\u00a0 While there is no assurance of an academic post upon completion of residency training and certification in a specialty, these candidates are carefully groomed with a strong chance of being successfully hired into these roles.\u00a0 In Canada, many of residents with\u00a0backgrounds in research, including the combined degrees mentioned above, are unfortunately enticed away from the long and winding road that leads to the top tiered clinician investigator.<\/p>\nPathways to Research Careers in Medicine<\/h1>\n
What is the importance of research in our society?<\/h2>\n
What are the different types of research?<\/h2>\n
What can you do to get involved in research now?<\/h2>\n
When can you get involved after medical school?<\/h2>\n
What is the Specialised Foundation Programme?<\/h2>\n