Supporting clinical academics in training
The IAT programme supports a growing and vibrant community of clinical academics in training and is committed to enabling both their clinical and academic development. The programme structure includes a joint induction with Exeter, regional networking events, opportunities to present and discuss academic work and career progression within an Academic Clinical Fellows forum, QA process overseen by the IAT board and an annual survey.
Academic Clinical Fellows (ACF)
The ACF is designed as an excellent opportunity for people with academic potential to gain skills and experience in a research field that will then allow them to submit an application for a higher degree or extended period of research such as a PhD.
ACFs in Plymouth have 25% research time to be taken over three years (four years for GPs), which can be taken flexibly to fit with research and clinical training requirements. During this time they have access to masters modules in a variety of subjects up to PgCert level. Alongside NIHR ACFs we have a number of locally funded and Ministry of Defence funded posts.
A training grant of £1000 per year is available to all ACFs, and trainees are encouraged to pursue educational opportunities with the University, such as taking modules of the MClinRes or MClinEd.
Clinical Lecturers (CL)
Clinical Lecturer posts are intended for doctors with a PhD or MD who are seeking to develop an independent research career. The posts have a 50 per cent clinical, 50 per cent research split. Like the ACFs, Clinical Lecturers also have a training grant of £1000 per year. The 50% research time can also be taken flexibly.
Training
Trainees are provided with an ACF Guide which contains detailed information about how to make the most of their time as a clinical academic trainee. For an in-depth description of the programme please see the NIHR IAT Guide.
If you have any questions about the IAT programme in Plymouth, please contact Camille Carroll.
For administrative queries, contact the IAT administrator Sharon Cash.