Abstract
Academic GPs generate hypotheses and discussion and follow this with the utilization of qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection to answer questions and gain insights into general practice. Their ultimate aim is to improve patient care and the efficiency of the National Health Service (NHS). These GPs usually work in the academic departments of general practice in universities and spend a significant amount of their time on research. Most retain some clinical commitments.
Many GP training schemes offer academic training that, although competitive, can provide excellent early exposure to academia and act as a springboard for application for further fellowship funding to undertake a PhD or MD, which is vital to progress in academic medicine. Initially, there may be a small degree of salary reduction, but if successful with a PhD/MD, further research may be remunerated on the Consultant scale. A recent article in InnovAiT (Taylor and Irving, 2010) describing academic general practice in more detail and contacting the general practice department where you wish to work are great places to start.
Professor Aziz Sheikh is Professor of Primary Care Research and Development at the University of Edinburgh. He also leads the University's Allergy and Research Group and is an honorary consultant/GP with a specialist interest in paediatric allergy
Why did you choose academic general practice and at what stage in your career did you move into it?
I moved into academic general practice straight after completing my vocational training scheme. I guess the thing that really drew me into this was the opportunities through research to contribute to making a difference internationally, which complemented very well the important sense of satisfaction I got from looking after individuals and their families as a jobbing GP.
How did you get to where you are today?
I was very fortunate to win a series of academic GP fellowships, based at Imperial College London and St George's Hospital Medical School and from there I was invited to apply for my current post.
What are the best bits about your job?
I really enjoy the process of generating research ideas and then turning these into research proposals, the ample opportunities for scholarly discussion and debate along the way with colleagues from across the globe, and of course ultimately seeing the impact of some of the work that I together with colleagues have undertaken.
Being able to support talented junior researchers as they take their initial tentative steps in academia is a real privilege.
What are the most challenging parts of your job?
Switching off now and again! And also the challenges of trying to keep high calibre junior and contract researchers in post in these difficult economic times, which tends to exercise a lot of my thinking.
What do you do in a typical week?
Answer more than a 1000 emails, back-to-back meetings when I'm in the office, travel on average at least 1 day/week and do a lot of reading, reviewing and editing, particularly last thing at night and when in transit.
What advice would you give a trainee who is contemplating a career in academic general practice?
Find a good mentor and host institution and get a realistic perspective of the phenomenal opportunities to make a difference but also the considerable uncertainties. If you can secure a research fellowship, this will stand you in good stead for the future.
What aspirations do you have for the future?
To continue to do important research to the highest possible standards, helping improve the care we deliver to patients and their families. More broadly, I would like to continue to support the development of academic primary care in the economically developing world.