Why should you consider an academic career?
For the majority of clinicians, promotion of health and contributing to the provision of excellent medical care are principal career aims. However, it is only through research that our understanding of the pathophysiology of disease can be enhanced, and new treatments and improved health care delivery introduced and validated. Also, training of a high quality medical workforce of the future requires teachers with the skills in the design and delivery of curricula which must evolve to keep pace with medical progress. Although many clinicians have some research and teaching roles these activities form a substantial component of the work of clinical academics, alongside their clinical duties. This makes for a challenging, exciting and fulfilling career with increased opportunities to contribute both to medical progress and the career development of others.
BMJ Careers article on Academic Surgery - January 2009
BMJ Careers article on Academic Medicine - May 2008
BMJ Careers article on Academic General Practice - July 2008
BMJ Careers article on Academic Forensic Psychiatry - January 2008
When should you enter academic training?
In recent years academic training pathways have become more structured. Whilst a move into an academic programme is possible at various stages in postgraduate training, academic foundation programmes provide a very attractive entry point. A well designed programme, such as that designed by the School of Medicine and Dentistry in Aberdeen, provides excellent opportunities to experience at first hand the wide-ranging research and teaching activities which take place in academic units, whilst simultaneously undertaking postgraduate clinical training. The programme aims to enthuse high achieving medical graduates, to impart the career satisfaction associated with research and teaching and to provide a sound basis for further academic training.
Who do we wish to attract to our academic programme?
A career as a clinical academic has variety and is potentially hugely satisfying, but is challenging also. The duration of postgraduate training is usually extended in order to allow development of the additional skills required for success in research and/or teaching. Undergraduates who have performed well throughout the course are most likely to accept this challenge. Successfully undertaking an intercalated degree [BMedSci or MSc] may provide the stimulus to aspire to an academic career, and is a desirable entry criterion for the academic foundation programme, although it is not essential. In essence, we are looking for high achieving individuals who have a desire for their clinical skills and academic attributes to be developed to the highest level.