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Briefing: training and development of clinical researchers

Clinical researchers play an essential role in supporting the work of healthcare professionals.

An adequate supply of well-trained academic clinicians, from all relevant medical specialties, is essential for the development and validation of new treatments. Cancer Research UK supports a large number of clinical training fellows - medically qualified doctors who are conducting a research project leading to a MD or PhD. This is the first rung on the ladder towards becoming an academic clinician.

However, the rigidity of current post-graduate medical training structures, particularly in the craft specialties, such as pathology and surgery, can discourage clinicians from pursuing a career in academic medicine. The system of clinical accreditation therefore needs to be reassessed, with Postgraduate Deans being given a clear mandate and finance to allow a more flexible framework for the career development of clinical scientists.

New training structures should be designed to encourage healthcare professionals to become involved in research. A strong research infrastructure is essential to train, recruit and retain the best quality staff. It is also important that clinical researchers are able to have sufficient time to continue their research and professional training.

Promotion of research is needed across the board including to doctors working in General Practice. Organisations need also be encouraged to develop structures and financing that support GPs in becoming involved in research projects. Encouraging advances have been made through the establishment of the MRC General Practitioner Research Network. In addition, examples of local initiatives offering network and training opportunities and grant funding for pilot research projects in primary care, have the potential to act as a model for other schemes.