This is an important topic. I have changed the thread title.
> What do people think as to the value of such posts? How far can one
> really further an academic career in 2 years? More specifically, what
> would someone returning from such a post be expected to show for it?
> Papers? An MD?
>
I would suggest that a two year research post is the absolute
minimum needed to produce a thesis. Producing a thesis is a real
struggle and should not be undertaken lightly. IMHO too many A&E
trainers have unrealistic expectations of what can be achieved. A
thesis in one year is not realistic. (OK maybe it is possible for a
very dedicated individual who joins a well established research
group and just picks up a 'tailor made' project).
At the moment there are people within A&E giving bad advice about
research to trainees. I hope that the system of Regional Research
Advisors that the Faculty has set up will be a positive step.
> I'm in a similar post, and was advised when I took it to make sure I
> had something to show for it on my return to A+E-land - a fistful of
> publications at least, and preferably an MD. What are you potential
> employers out there going to be judging me (or indeed the lucky chap
> who gets Tim's post) by at the end of it? :)
>
I would expect a thesis from a 2 year full time post. Remember that
the examination process will take up to another year, so you may
be applying for posts before you know if you have passed.
>From a 1 year post I would expect one decent and a couple of minor
papers. From a 6 month post I would expect a knowledge of
academic methods and perhaps a paper.
Remember it is really hard to 'write up' once you have gone back to
a clinical post.
> Any thoughts on the relative merits of MD and PhD in the World of
A+E?
A PhD is a very serious piece of independent, original and
significant work. It will take at least 3 (probably 4) years of full time
work. It will probably be in basic science rather than clinical
research. I would not recommend it to any A&E trainee unless they
had a very particular reason for going down this long and winding
road. Finding a supervisor at this level is very hard - there may be
one or two people within A&E who might manage to supervise a
student at this level (not me!!!). Who you pick as a supervisor for a
thesis (PhD, MD or MS) is very important. The key question to ask
is "How many successful students have you supervised at this level
in the last 5 years?".
What advice to others give to trainees wanting to do 'research'?
Tim.
Timothy J Coats MD FRCS FFAEM
Senior Lecturer in Accident and Emergency / Pre-Hospital Care
Royal London Hospital, UK.
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