Overview of intended academic training path
The diagram illustrates the broad outline of the Specialist Training phase of the new integrated clinical academic career pathway. Trainees in the Clinical Lectureship phase would be expected to apply for clinician scientist awards or some other form of support for further academic activity.
Dedicated integrated academic training pathways have been established through partnerships between universities, local NHS trusts (including primary care trusts) and postgraduate deaneries.
The integrated academic training consists of the following phases:
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Academic Foundation
As part of MMC, academic FY1 and FY2 have been established to give some exposure to laboratory and clinical research programmes. For more information, please visit the Deanery's Academic Foundation pages.
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Clinical Academic Fellows (ACFs)
Clinical Academic Fellows (ACFs) are targeted at doctors in the early years of their speciality training, or who have just completed the foundation programme. ACFs are funded for three years and provide clinical and academic training and prepare trainees for competitive applications to higher degrees or post doctoral fellowships.
The ACF phase ends when a higher degree is awarded. On completion of a training fellowship, doctors will return to their clinical programme and at an appropriate point can apply to continue their academic development by applying for clinical lecturer posts.
Full details of eligiblity and opportunities within the West Midlands will be available on this website when applications open. Further information can be found on the NIHR TCC website.
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Academic Clinical Lecturers (ACLs)
Clinical lecturer posts are available for doctors who already hold a PhD/MD (or equivalent) and who have specialty training experience. Clincal lecturer posts provide opportunities for post-higher degree research or educational training for doctors working towards completion of specialty training. Clinical lecturers are expected to apply for further research funding (e.g. personal fellowships or research grants), or support for continuing educational training.
Doctors who hold a relevant MD/PhD or equivalent and either hold a national training number or meet the entry requirement for specialty training are eligible to apply.
Full details of eligiblity and opportunities within the West Midlands will be available on the university websites (Keele, Warwick and Birmingham) when applications open. Further information can be found on the NIHR TCC website.