Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (CPT)

by Dr Mark Pucci ST6

CPT is a small specialty, but a very rewarding one which from my perspective allows more autonomy and flexibility than other specialties, and offers a number of different career paths. Not many people know about CPT - I don’t know how many times I’ve been asked what a clinical pharmacologist actually does, but if you are reading this then hopefully you have at least a passing interest in the specialty! To be honest, it is not an easy question to answer because each one is different. The graphic below highlights the main roles clinical pharmacologists currently have in the NHS:

As a trainee, my job currently involves a combination of clinical work, teaching, research, involvement in clinical trials and medicines management. As well as plenty of clinical experience I have had the time to publish a number of papers, mainly in the area of cardiovascular pharmacology. As it is such a small specialty you build up very close relationships with your supervisors (who are extremely supportive, I have to say!) and other clinical pharmacologists around the UK at various meetings including National Poisons Information Service training days and the annual BPS conference. If you want any more information, please click on the link below:  https://www.bps.ac.uk/BPSMemberPortal/media/BPSWebsite/BPS_A_prescription_for_the_NHS_FINAL_SP%281%29.pdf