RCOG Academic Clinical Career Development in Obstetrics and Gynaecology Report
Click here to download the RCOG Academic Clinical Career Development in Obstetrics & Gynaecology paper, 2006.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why should I do research?
- How do I get experience in research?
- How do I obtain financial support for research?
- When should I undertake my research training?
- What are the opportunities for research later in my SpR training programme?
- Who should I approach if I wish to undertake research training?
Why should I do research?
Research is the most exciting, enjoyable and rewarding aspect of medical practice. It brings into practice new ideas, new concepts for the treatments of the future and it improves the health and well being of patients. The identification of novel disease processes and the introduction of new procedures or drugs into clinical practice is an integral part of medicine.
In addition, the teaching of doctors, medical students and other professionals allied to medicine is a key element in the pursuit of excellence in the healthcare of our nation.
Academic medicine provides the challenge to undertake research, teaching and clinical work in this exciting yet demanding specialty.
How do I get experience in research?
There are broadly three types of research experience:
- You can obtain research training leading to a higher degree such as a PhD or MD before entering the SPR grade.
Useful websites: MRC, Wellcome Trust and Wellbeing of Women - You can undertake research during your SpR training.
Useful websites: MRC, Wellcome Trust and Wellbeing of Women - You can be awarded a Clinician Scientist Fellowship that will provide experience up to the consultant grade.
Useful websites: DH and MRC
How do I obtain financial support for research?
There are various schemes available to support individuals undertaking research. Within the RCOG you may apply for the following:
- MRC or Wellcome Training Fellowship
- Wellbeing of Women Research Fellowship
- British Heart Foundation Fellowship
- Cancer Research UK Fellowship
- Action Research Fellowship
- Tommy’s Fund Fellowship
When should I undertake my research training?
- The RCOG advises that significant flexibility is needed in planning a research career but an early exposure to research experience is probably the best approach. Individuals who do not find research enjoyable can then return to clinical work.
- Those wishing to pursue a career in academic medicine are advised to have two periods of research experience. The first period of research training, leading to a PhD or MD can be undertaken before entering the SpR grade or after completion of the MRCOG, having completed 2 or 3 years at SpR grade.
- The second experience of research may be obtained to complete the SpR training either with the award of a Clinician Scientist Fellowship or on appointment to a clinical lectureship.
What are the opportunities for research later in my SpR training programme?
New Clinical Scientist Fellowships are available to individuals who have completed 3-4 years of Specialist Registrar programme. These are national Fellowships and are highly competitive. Fellowships allow individuals to complete SpR training and to obtain CCT. Individuals will normally be expected to have obtained a PhD or MD.
Who should I approach if I wish to undertake research training?
- You should approach the Head of the Academic Unit in your nearest teaching hospital.