Career resources
Career resources
Like many clinical-academics I have had a non-linear career path, including switching specialties. Along the way, I have been fortunate to benefit from mentorship and support from senior colleagues. On this site I have tried to share what I have learnt both from others and along my own path. I have not always followed my own advice (often to my own detriment) - but I hope the advice here helps you!
Most of these resources are aimed at UK medical students and early career stage doctors, but others may find them useful, whilst bearing in mind that some of the detail may differ across disciplines and countries.
These pages are based on my personal reflections. When making career decisions, make sure to talk to lots of people to get a variety of different perspectives as everyone's circumstances, pressures, and priorities are different. If you notice any errors, or have any comments or suggestions, please do email me!
I've written a couple of pages for those thinking of applying to medical school or at medical school now:
Academic clinical fellowships (ACF) are designed to support early career doctors (ST1-4) in England to combine clinical training with academic research. ACFs are typically 3-year posts that are a stepping stone to developing a successful PhD proposal.
I was an academic clinical fellow (ACF) in general surgery at the University of Birmingham in 2014-17. More recently, I have been involved in shortlisting and interviewing ACF candidates.
Resources about applying for ACF posts:
I was an PhD research fellow at the Global Surgery Unit at the University of Birmingham in 2017-20. I am now supervising and supporting PhD research fellows at the Global Surgery Unit.
Resources around getting started with a PhD:
If you are interested in exploring the potential for a PhD with the Global Surgery Unit, please email me.
Ernest Hemingway wrote "How did you go bankrupt? Two ways. Gradually, then suddenly." I think the same maxim is true for medical careers. You will see other people seemingly effortlessly secure dream jobs and fellowships. In reality, this is usually the culmination of many months or even years of gradual work to prepare a successful application.
As soon as you start a new post, start thinking about what you need to do over the next year or two to prepare yourself for your next hurdle.