Endocrine Abstracts

Consultants have all done research and got publications, and juniors always seem to be too busy to do either. However, without direct experience, you have little chance of understanding research papers, let alone generating your own, and somehow you have to fill in that gap on your CV. There comes a time then, at which a clinical research fellowship suddenly seems rather attractive.

The benefits of a period in research are obvious. A fellowship allows you to try out a bit of science in a controlled environment, while still paying your mortgage. This is a chance to find out whether a career in science or in academic medicine is for you or not. It also offers a welcome change from the wards and a break from medics, a more relaxed lifestyle and also a chance to do some research for yourself, go to meetings and present your work. Finally, even if you are not bitten by the research bug and decide against continuing an academic path, it can undoubtedly further your medical career.

Once you’ve got your project and secured funding, you have to look vaguely credible. The language, personnel and dress code of a lab are very different from a hospital. This session will cover what to expect in the first few months. You need to work out who’s who, what to read and what to do. Finally, you need to keep your supervisor happy. They are fundamental to your project’s success and to your happiness. You need their expertise and experience as well as their support while hopefully staying on speaking terms with them. Part of this involves balancing your other commitments, both clinical and to other research projects. It also depends on you writing up your project, and hopefully getting at least something published during your fellowship.