Endocrine Abstracts

If you are a clinician considering a first attempt at research, ask yourself some simple questions. Why? It must be because you want to, whether you are considering an academic or a clinical career. When? Post-MRCP is recommended. If you are considering an academic career, starting early will give you longer to develop your interests whilst you are still creative and original. Where and with whom? Aim for a centre of excellence, with a large research team rather than a lone researcher. If you can (politely), find out how successful they are in getting 'peer reviewed' grants and publications. How? Clinical research fellowships are rarely waiting for you. Usually you need to make informal contact, then start writing grants. This takes time and effort, and you must be prepared for rejection(s). What? Are you going to do a clinical project or a lab-based project, an MD or a PhD, a 'new venture' or a 'me too' project? There are advantages and disadvantages to all the options. The answers depend on your interests and long-term career plans. If you opt for lab-based research, you need to understand who's who in the lab, and be sensitive to the interpersonal dynamics. Your lab colleagues may have negative preconceptions about medics: you will need to go back to basics and acquire new skills. You may go through an initial despondency: get over this by getting involved and using your time productively. Minimise your clinical commitments, but keep up enough to facilitate re-entry. If you opt for clinical research, discuss your protocol with your Research and Development Support Unit and an experienced Clinical Research Nurse and seek their help and advice. Careful thought, planning and preparation will increase the likelihood of successful, enjoyable research.