Introduction
A new report has been launched that sets out a clear training pathway for doctors and dentists who wish to follow a career in academic medicine and dentistry. The report, Recommendations for Training the Researchers and Educators of the Future, was produced by the UK Clinical Research Collaboration (UKCRC) and the Department of Health's Modernising Medical Careers (MMC) initiative.
The report outlines that figures for academic clinicians have decreased rapidly in recent years, and warns that this could have dire consequences for the future of scientific innovations in these fields in the UK. It aims to remove the roadblocks which can deter individuals from taking up a career in academic medicine or dentistry.
The Government is committing £2.5 million in 2005/6 in an attempt to reverse the decline in numbers and to begin the process of establishing a new integrated academic training programme, which will provide the foundation for academic clinicians. Dr Mark Walport, chair of the Academic Careers Sub-Committee of UKCRC and MMC, warned of the perilous state of academic medicine and dentistry in the UK today: "Without the continual development of experienced research clinicians the training of future doctors and dentists is in jeopardy. Innovation will grind to a halt and patients will suffer as a result. The nation desperately needs top quality academic clinicians in all disciplines to provide professional leadership and innovation, but currently young doctors and dentists do not perceive an academic career as attractive."
Three main reasons have been identified as to why young medics are unenthusiastic about a career in academic medicine, which are a lack of a clear route of entry and a transparent career structure, lack of flexibility in the balance of clinical and academic training and in geographical mobility; and a shortage of properly structured and supported posts upon completion of training.
Its recommendations on how to remove barriers and encourage research at all stages of clinical training include measures to encourage medical and dental students to take up and develop a research career at School stage. It also proposes the encouragement of a new generation of clinical academics, partly through the creation of a cohort of 'new blood' senior lectureship posts and also through the removal of financial disincentives to undertake research.