Doctors in metabolic [2] medicine treat patients whose chemical processes do not function properly and who may have various health problems as a result.
Training usually starts with a five year first degree in medicine. Then there's two years foundation doctor training, two years core training (CT1-CT2), followed by five years specialist training (ST3-ST6). This period of training will include your royal college exams. Length of training can vary according to your circumstances.
Doctors may work up to 48 hours a week. The working hours may sometimes extend beyond the normal working day to include early mornings, evenings and weekends. You’ll first earn a salary when you start your foundation training after medical school. The basic salary ranges from £29,384 to £34,012. Once you start your specialty training as a doctor in metabolic medicine employed by the NHS, you can expect to earn a salary of at least £40,257, which can increase to between £84,559 and £114,003 as a consultant.
For this role you will have a strong interest in biochemistry and metabolism. This will be aided by your ability to lead a team, whilst developing and evaluating services. Having excellent communication skills supports your excellent problem-solving and reasoning skills. You're familiarity with research methods and a willingness to keep up-to-date with research and advances in treatment is essential for your role.
In 2016, there were 15 consultants in metabolic medicine in the NHS in England. In 2020, there were 23 applications for 12 training places. You could specialise or conduct research, teach medical students or postgraduate students in training or get involved in research at universities, the NHS or private sector.
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For the NHS Scientist Training Programme you’ll need a 1st or 2.1 either in an undergraduate honours degree or an integrated master’s degree in a relevant pure or applied science subject such as physiology, pure or applied physics, engineering, biology or human biology, sports science (if there is significant scientific content). If you have a relevant 2.2 honours degree, you’ll also be considered if you have a higher degree in a subject relevant to the specialism for which you are applying. Evidence of research experience is desirable.
NHS staff will usually work a standard 37.5 hours per week. They may work a shift pattern. Most jobs in the NHS are covered by the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay scales. Trainee clinical scientists train at band 6 level, and qualified clinical scientists are generally appointed at band 7. With experience and further qualifications, you could apply for posts up to band 9. Terms and conditions of service can vary for employers outside the NHS.
You’ll need a mature and calm manner, with the ability to work well under pressure and concentrate for long periods; a confident but sympathetic approach; to be especially confident with technology, systems and processes; comfortable speaking in front of people and demonstrating things, able to stand or sit for long periods, be adept at using a range of tools and work well as part of a team.
With further training or experience or both, you may be able to develop your career further and apply for vacancies in areas such as further specialisation, management, research, or teaching.