Clinicians in training have an important role in driving research innovation and accelerating the movement of research ideas out of the lab and directly into clinical practice.
Most training programmes support time out of programme for research (OOPR, for GMC guidance refer to https://www.gmc-uk.org/education/standards-guidance-and-curricula/guidance/out-of-programme). This is agreed prospectively by the postgraduate dean and will usually not exceed three years with the aim to complete an appropriate higher degree (MSc, MD, PhD). For most clinicians this is one of the first opportunities to gain a broad and deep interdisciplinary research experience.
How do I organise my OOPR?
Many trainees will have developed an area of subspecialty interest and OOPR will provide protected time for academic development and to gain further expertise in the area of interest.
Ideally OOPR should be planned at a stage in training when there is adequate time to return to the clinical training programme in order to recover clinical skills, complete and submit thesis and papers for publication in advance of further application for consultant posts; this is usually 1-2 years before completion of specialty training.
There are broadly 3 types of research one can undertake during OOPR: 1) basic medical science (laboratory based), 2) clinical research and 3) epidemiological and it is generally advised that candidates consult peers and senior colleagues to enable them to decide what type of research is suited for them.
Upon selecting the area of research interest, it is fundamental to identify the right supervisor and evaluate their credentials after discussion with current or previous researchers who worked in that department. It is crucial to understand whether their way of supervision matches the individual applicant’s way of working and learning. In addition, the supervisor’s previous publications, knowledge of previous candidates’ source of funding and the number of previously supervised and completed/awarded degrees are also important in guiding a potential applicant’s decision.
The biggest hurdle prior to starting OOPR is securing funding to undertake the research project. This is usually acquired from grant awarding bodies including medical charities (commonly these are specialty specific) and NHS research and developmental schemes (NIHR, MRC, Wellcome Trust; links are provided below). Occasionally financial support might be provided by pharmaceutical companies who may have an interest in the research project or from the primary investigator’s personal research funds. Money from grant awarding bodies are regarded more prestigious and are highly competitive.
In general, trainees wishing to undertake research as OOPR are advised to explore all potential opportunities 12-18 months prior to the proposed start date ensuring approval by the postgraduate dean and GMC; if competencies during an OOPR are to contribute towards CCT.
Research programmes undertaken as OOPR are an invaluable opportunity in shaping the personal and professional qualities of a trainee and their further development into confident clinician scientists.
More relevant information on academic training and research is also provided in the Royal Colleges’ websites.
Useful links:
https://www.nihr.ac.uk/researchers/
https://mrc.ukri.org/skills-careers/
https://wellcome.ac.uk/grant-funding/schemes
