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Clinical academic careers

Find out why a clinical academic career might suit you and the types of clinical research programmes available.

Download transcript  [1]

Funded training is available.

Clinical research provides evidence to inform clinical decisions, which is vital for ensuring the best possible care for patients.

Why should I consider a clinical academic career?

  • funded training to gain recognised qualifications, such as a Master's degree or a PhD, is available from NHS, charitable and private organisations
  • it can be an academically stimulating career choice, including the opportunity to present at conferences and write articles for academic journals
  • you can make a real difference to patient care
  • there are opportunities in a variety of settings, including clinical positions with patients, as well as working in a research laboratory

Types of clinical research programmes

  • internships
  • Master's in clinical research
  • clinical doctoral research fellowships
  • clinical lectureships
  • senior clinical lectureships

See the Health Education England (HEE) website [2] for information about its work on clinical academic careers and resources to support you on your journey.

When can I start?

This is usually an option for those with some clinical experience. However, in some cases it is possible to start an academic research career directly after registration. A first step could be an internship, designed to help you prepare for working in a research environment, or a Master's degree.

Find out more about Clinical Academic Medicine [3] and see our information below about the HEE/NIHR Integrated Clinical Academic (ICA) Programme [4].

You can find out more about research generally on the National Institute for Health Research website [5].

  • The ICA Programme

    The Integrated Clinical Academic (ICA) programme is funded by HEE and managed by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). It provides a range of opportunities to undertake fully-funded clinical research, research training and professional development whilst maintaining clinical practice and salary.

    It is formed of five elements, plus a mentorship scheme:

    • internships
    • Master's studentships in clinical research
    • clinical doctoral research fellowships
    • clinical lectureships
    • senior clinical lectureships.

    For more information on the awards and resources to support you as a clinical academic, please see the Health Education England [4] and NIHR [6] websites.


Source URL: https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/career-planning/developing-your-health-career/clinical-academic-careers

Links
[1] https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/about/resources/transcript-clinical-academic-research-film
[2] https://www.hee.nhs.uk/our-work/clinical-academic-careers
[3] https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/doctors/career-opportunities-doctors/clinical-academic-medicine
[4] https://www.hee.nhs.uk/our-work/clinical-academic-careers/integrated-clinical-academic-ica-programme
[5] http://www.nihr.ac.uk/
[6] https://www.nihr.ac.uk/funding-and-support/funding-for-training-and-career-development/training-programmes/nihr-hee-ica-programme/