MRC Special Training Fellowship in Health Service Research: Personal Experience Lynne Ferrar Academic Unit of Bone Metabolism School of Biomedical Sciences University of Sheffield

Outline Who am I? Why did I apply? How did I go about applying? Why was I successful? What has been my experience of the fellowship? What have I gained? Any unforeseen difficulties or low points? Advice for anyone applying for a fellowship?

Who Am I?

Career History Post doc with Prof Eastell since 2000 –part-time secondment to STHT Research Office, –part-time lecturer in radiography and research methods, Sheffield Hallam University, –coordinator of Bone Metabolism Centre Grant Senior radiographer Osteoporosis Centre, (research and clinical) Clinical radiographer, ;

Research Experience: Main Focus ConcaveWedgeCrush

Research Experience: Funding and Publications Funding –MRC Special Training Fellowship in HSR extension –National Osteoporosis Society fellowship ; –Arc project grant (principal investigator) Publications –13 papers published in peer reviewed journals 10 1 st author, 1 senior author

Why Did I Apply for the Fellowship?

Reasons for Applying for the Fellowship Up to 5 years salary Applications encouraged from allied health professionals Funding for training courses Clinical or applied research Opportunity to spend time in another research establishment MRC fellowships highly regarded

How Did I Go About Making the Application?

Preparing the Application Downloaded application forms and guidance for applicants Met with Prof Eastell to draw up research plan Completed application and distributed within Department of Clinical Sciences

Interview and Outcome Interview at MRC Head Office Recommended I obtain a second supervisor with a track record in health service research Prof John Brazier (ScHARR) agreed to act as 2 nd supervisor Awarded fellowship for 3 years

Why Was I Successful?

Why Was I Successful? Track record –Individual 5 papers published + one in press 2 previous research fellowships health service background –Research group and institution recognised for musculoskeletal research Training plan –placement in another research establishment –Diploma in Health Service Research and Health Service Technology –in-house training courses

Why Was I Successful (2)? Project –original –able to identify patient benefit –included health service research component –national and international collaborations with renowned research groups

Experience of Having the Fellowship Administration of grant by MRC has been very “hands off” Consumables allowance disproportionately large compared to travel allowance –but flexibility in allocation of resources Support network –annual fellows meetings presentations of fellows’ research Workshops

What have I Gained from the Fellowship?

Opportunity to Work in San Francisco!

What Have I Gained from the Fellowship? Developed analysis plans for research project Formed new collaboration Publication of another 7 papers Certificate in Health Service Research External recognition –policy development committee of International Society for Clinical Densitometry –chairing a session at NOS annual conference and award for best abstract –review papers and grant applications

Unforeseen Difficulties or Low Points

Unforeseen Difficulties or Low Points Unable to complete planned research within 3 years Did not attend all planned courses Certificate in HSR instead of Diploma Workload –course in HSR –new collaborations –other commitments –no clerical or admin support Failed to obtain funding for PhD student or to get the RCUK fellowship

What Advice Would I Give to Anyone Applying for an MRC (or other) Fellowship?

General Points Consult the MRC Start early Discuss with others Read guidance for applicants Attend the grant writing workshop! Pay attention to presentation

The Research Project Original and worthwhile (identify potential benefits) Do-able Within scope of previous experience Preliminary or pilot data For Fellowship in HSR, ensure at least part of project qualifies as HSR

The Training Plan Tailor training plan to fill gaps in experience, skills, knowledge Justify your choice of training establishment (s) and supervisor (s) Identify potential benefits Be specific in terms of the courses you plan to attend Have realistic and appropriate timelines

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