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Combining Clinical Practice with Research: What do I Need to Know?

 I was recently asked by the BMJ to offer comments for an article advising doctors how they could improve their research skills and get involved in research. Integrating research into a clinical career offers a pathway to professional fulfilment, intellectual growth, and the opportunity to influence patient care on a broader scale. 

While the prospect of balancing clinical duties with academic pursuits can be daunting due to time constraints and the need for specialised skills, there are numerous entry points available for clinicians at every stage of their career. From early-career networking and trainee-led collaborations to structured fellowships and leadership roles in national trials, the research landscape is designed to accommodate various levels of involvement. By developing core competencies, seeking out mentorship, and identifying practical questions within their own daily practice, clinicians can successfully navigate the challenges of a dual career and contribute meaningfully to the future of medicine

1. I’m early in my career. What are the first practical steps to get involved in research?

Identify a clinician or academic in your department or general practice who is active in research and ask if they have any ongoing projects where you could help. Joining a collaborative research network (like trainee-led groups) is another way to get involved in research.

2. I’m an experienced doctor—is it too late to get involved in research?

Absolutely not. Experienced clinicians can make an important contribution to research because they have a good understanding of topical clinical issues that that need addressing. For example, you can contribute to projects supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). These studies often require local investigators who can help identify and recruit research participants and help with the collection of data. This can provide an entry into research as the NIHR can offer training, financial support for helping with research recruitment and the opportunity to join wider professional networks in your area.

3. I’m worried I don’t have time. How can I carve out protected time for research?

This is a key obstacle as clinicians will have busy jobs and may also be studying for professional exams in their spare time as well as having family or caring commitments. The most structured way is through NIHR-supported Integrated Academic Training (IAT) pathways like Academic Clinical Fellowships (ACFs) or Clinical Lectureships (CLs) in England). If you are not on a formal research training pathway, see if you can negotiate some research time. For example, some GP Vocational Training Schemes will allow trainees to spend a block of time in a local academic department. You can also look for an Out of Programme period to focus entirely on a project without clinical distractions.

4. What kinds of research roles are there?

Roles range from Clinical Research Fellow positions (often working toward a MSc degree or developing an application for a PhD fellowship) to Principal Investigators (leading a site for a trial). Research skills can also be learned from involvement in clinical audits o quality improvement projects. Although these are not classed as research they require similar skills in areas such as evidence synthesis, data collection, statistical analysis and writing up the results for publication in an academic journal or presentation at a conference.

5. Do I need a higher degree (MSc, MRes, MD, PhD), and when should I consider one?

You do not need a higher degree to participate in research or publish academic articles, but if you want to become an independent researcher or secure an academic position such as a clinical lectureship, a PhD or MD is needed. Consider an MSc, MPH or MRes early in your career to develop core research skills, and a PhD when you have a specific project you want to work on for a few years.

6. How can I find opportunities and funding?

Networking is essential. Attend departmental research meetings as well as local and national academic conferences. For funding, look at major bodies like the NIHR, MRC, or Wellcome Trust, as well as specialty-specific charities (e.g., British Heart Foundation). Many hospitals may also have some internal grants for small pilot projects or short-term research fellow roles.

7. How can I identify a good research question or choose an area of interest?

Look for at your daily clinical practice. Is there a treatment that doesn't work well? A diagnostic delay you see repeatedly? Also keep up to date with the academic literature to see what research has been done and what research questions remain to be answered.

8. What skills should early-career clinicians focus on?

Knowledge of epidemiology, biostatistics and writing for publication are very helpful. Obtaining a Good Clinical Practice (GCP) certificate is also useful. 

9. Will doing research impact my clinical training and career prospects?

In the longer term, research can enhance your career prospects, Furthermore, after completing specialty training, a clinical academic career can be very fulfilling professionally and reduce the stresses associated with full-time clinical work.

10. What are the positives and negatives of splitting my time?

  • Positives: Variety in your working week, the ability to influence future care for patients (rather than just the patient in front of you), intellectual stimulation and professional recognition.
  • Negatives: Being a clinical academic can sometimes feel you have two busy jobs. You have to be disciplined and ensure that the work within the clinical and research roles remains contained within the allocated time.

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