Barriers to clinical academic surgical training and career development in the United Kingdom: a review from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Advanced Surgical Technology Incubator (ASTI) group
Crispi, Vassili Bolton, William Chand, Manish Giuliani, Stefano Wykes, Victoria Mathew, Ryan K
Crispi, Vassili
Bolton, William
Chand, Manish
Giuliani, Stefano
Wykes, Victoria
Mathew, Ryan K
Affiliation
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust; University of Leeds; University College London Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; University College London; University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust; University of Birmingham
Other Contributors
Publication date
2025-03-05
Subject
Collections
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Abstract
Clinical academics play a vital role in advancing medical research, knowledge and treatments within the National Health System (NHS), but this career's sustainability is at risk due to barriers to accessing and pursuing research opportunities throughout a surgeon's training and career. Despite the diversification of surgical training with integrated opportunities, challenges such as limited training opportunities, lack of protected research time, and financial constraints persist. This paper from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Advanced Surgical Technology Incubator (ASTI) group highlights these issues, addressing the competitiveness of academic pathways, workload balance, mentorship importance, and the need for standardised assessments. It highlights the need for greater accountability from healthcare employers and academic institutions. Additionally, the paper focuses on increasing diversity and inclusion in clinical academia, addressing systemic discrimination, and changing the NHS culture. This paper calls for collective efforts from the medical profession, government, and institutions to address these issues.
Citation
Crispi V, Bolton W, Chand M, Giuliani S, Wykes V, Mathew RK. Barriers to Clinical Academic Surgical Training and Career Development in the United Kingdom: A Review from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Advanced Surgical Technology Incubator (ASTI) Group. Br J Hosp Med (Lond). 2025 Mar 26;86(3):1-12. doi: 10.12968/hmed.2024.0419. Epub 2025 Mar 5.
Type
Article