1. The Next Step – Academic Clinical Fellowship
Mike Bennett
St Gemma’s Professor of Palliative Medicine
Vikas Kaura
MRC/BJA/RCoA Clinical Research Training Fellow in Anaesthesia

2. When? Usually at entry to higher specialty training (ST3 level)
Some specialties have entry at ST1
Shape of Training may alter this in the future however

3. You should have…..
a high-level interest in the proposed academic field, backed up if possible by relevant publications, prizes or distinctions;
the potential as a doctoral researcher
clarity about longer-term career aspirations and how this Fellowship will provide opportunities for your career development.

4. Shortlisting applications
ESSENTIAL
Evidence of achievement of Foundation or CMT competences
Demonstration of, understanding of, and commitment to, an academic clinical career

5. Shortlisting applications
DESIRABLE
Qualifications:
Intercalated honours for BSc and/or additional qualifications e.g. MSc etc
Distinction or honours during MBBS programme
Other achievements:
Prizes
Presentation of work at a national or international meeting
Publications in peer reviewed journals

6. Shortlisting applications
Knowledge
Research experience
Understands the clinical academic career pathway
Articulates convincing reasons for applying for ACF post
Communication:
Evidence of team working skills
Evidence of leadership potential
Evidence through scientific publications and presentations

7. The interview

8. What will give you the edge
Before the interview
Work out and rehearse why you want this job / career
A practical or clinical based story is usually most convincing
= a difficult clinical scenario that prompted you to question the strength of the evidence base for management of X
= you were ‘forced’ to work in Prof Y’s lab or on Dr Z’s clinical trial but began to realise how the research might impact on patient care

9. What will give you the edge
At interview
Look like you mean business, maintain good eye contact
Its absolutely fine to be nervous
but avoid drinking water like a goldfish
take a few seconds to formulate your thoughts before speaking
this can make you sound more clever too…..
ask for clarification if you have no idea what they are on about
The panel want to feel your enthusiasm and passion
but be thoughtful and considered; it’s not X Factor
evidence and examples win points

10. Scoring sheets

11. The Application
ACF1/ST1 in Anaesthesia
Not the routine process!

12. The Application High-level of interest Potential doctoral researcher
Speciality
Research
Potential doctoral researcher
Research ingrained
Deeper understanding
Career Aspirations
Short/medium/long term goals
Clinical
Academic

13. Application-2 DESIRABLE NOT ESSENTIAL Qualifications: Achievements:
Have or you don’t
Achievements:
Prizes
Med School
Small/big
Presentation of work at a national or international meeting
Audit/case reports/student projects

14. Application-3 Knowledge Communication: Research experience CAT pathway
Why this ACF post
Opportunity and best suited to you!
Communication:
Team working
Clinical/academic/extracurricular
Leadership potential
Committees/rep

15. Sell Yourself

16. Job designed for you Pre-interview Read up on
My application!
My previous projects/research
Project/Place/Person
The interview panel
Practice.....PRActice.....PRACTICE!
Job designed for you

17. The Interview Look the part Act the Part Think on my feet! Luck
Professional attire
You are the FUTURE
Act the Part
Charm
Confidence
Composure
Think on my feet!
Luck
Power calculation
Question(s) important to me

18. Finally