How CTU's Can Support Through Supporting The Fellowship / Non-Fellowship Route

Description

This presentation features Rebecca Kearney discussing her journey through the Clinical Trials Unit (CTU) at Warwick, where she evolved from a physiotherapist to the Director of the Bristol Clinical Trials Unit. She shares how the CTU provided her with essential training and mentorship that shaped her research career, leading to significant accomplishments like securing an NIHR fellowship and publishing in prominent journals. Kearney emphasizes the support she received from her supervisors and the collaborative environment at the CTU, asserting that its role extends beyond initial funding to ongoing career support.



Following her, Andy Metcalfe presents a contrasting experience at CTU, focusing on the broad support offered to clinicians beyond the realm of fellowships. Metcalfe highlights that despite the perceived barriers to accessing CTUs, they are rich with expertise and can collaboratively address important research questions. He discusses a successful partnership with Professor Ed Davis, who sought to explore the efficacy of robotic assistance in surgeries, illustrating how CTUs foster collaboration between clinicians and researchers to drive impactful trials.



Throughout the presentation, both speakers underscore the critical role of CTUs as hubs of knowledge and support for clinical research, while acknowledging industry challenges, especially in transitioning to academic careers for doctors.

DOI: 10.1302/3114-230279

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