ABSTRACT
Medicine is a unique and dynamic vocation. Research and new discoveries form the foundation for the continuous evolution of, and changes in, medical practice. Academic medicine is the interface of high-quality patient care with exploration of basic questions of health and disease, prevention and treatment. All doctors therefore need to be aware how research can improve patient care and should have some understanding of the process. Ideally many should also undertake at least a period of research so they fully appreciate its challenges, excitement and potential. Th e drive to encourage research and support academia has been recognised by leaders in the National Health Service (NHS) as crucial to benefi t patients and shape the future NHS. As part of this there are now more opportunities than ever for bright, motivated doctors to become academic clinicians, with proper research training and encouragement to remain in academia while maintaining patient contact. Th is whole book is aimed at encouraging young doctors (and medical students) to get into academic medicine, by explaining the routes available and the range of possibilities, exploring the pitfalls and suggesting solutions.
