Clinical Fellow at Imperial College – how I got here and what Im doing Dr Victoria Salem

Outline My career pathway to date Grant application process My PhD research (briefly!) Pros and cons of an academic career Work/life balance (maternity….)

Medical School Intercalated BSc Medical Physics 1999 MBBS 2002 Early Clinical Training House officer posts A+E / TRAVEL SHO Medical Rotation Academic Clinical Fellow MRCP ACF/SpR Diabetes and Endocrinology

Early SpR years Watford General Hospital Northwick Park Hospital GRANT APPLICATION PROCESS 3 months per year in lab Pilot data

Grant Application Process ACF – advantage of dedicated lab time – Do I want to be an academic? – Pilot data – Forging a relationship with your supervisors – Preparing for grant applications Research training fellowships – chosing the right one for you KEEP TRYING!

Early SpR years Watford General Hospital Northwick Park Hospital GRANT APPLICATION PROCESS 3 months per year in lab Pilot data PhD MRC CRTF October 2008 PhD (and 3 babies) Sept 2012

My Research Gut hormones and fMRI Potential of anorectic gut hormones to treat obesity CNS mechanism of action in humans?

fMRI study protocol

Co-administration of PYY and GLP-1 reduces ad libitum energy intake (EI) at lunch ** P<0.05 vs fasted saline *** P< vs fasted saline 23% 12% 16% 27%

Modulation of BOLD signal by co- administration of PYY and GLP-1 OFC AmygdalaInsula

Co-administration of PYY & GLP-1 reduces BOLD signal change in brain food reward regions (amalgamated ROI data) *** P< vs. fasted saline # P<0.001 vs. combined Salem V. et al 2011; 14(5): 700-6

PhD years Learning to become a scientist Finding a mentor Developing research skills – Statistics, time management, grant writing – Specific to your chosen specialty Keeping abreast of clinical developments – Maintaining practical proficiencies Attending meetings and presenting your own data Publications

What next…? The pyramid gets steeper….. Applying for Clinical Lectureship – 50/50 clinical/lab Applying for Postdoctoral Funding – Intermediate Training Fellowships – Smaller project grants – Building up publication record – Consolidating research skills – Finding your niche and networking

Pros and Cons of an Academic Career Hugely satisfying – whatever level you reach 2 nd career: Clinician Scientist Cutting edge of your specialty More flexible working hours CCST will be delayed Less certainty Highly competitive Money No shifts

Final word - babies 1.TIME MANAGEMENT 2.TEAM WORKING 3.GOOD CHILDCARE