Clinical Connections

Integration with Clinical Training Programmes

This programme has the full support of the regional postgraduate dean (NHS Education for Scotland, Eastern Region), and deanery support will be available to all clinical research fellows regardless of whether they hold a National Training Number (NTN).

Clinical training during the fellowship

All fellows will be offered an honorary NHS contract at an appropriate grade.

Fellows will also be offered limited inclusion in clinical training programmes (eg one session per week) to ensure clinical skills and confidence are maintained and competences developed. Not all fellows will wish to take this opportunity – for many, complete freedom from clinical service will be a major attraction of a concentrated period of basic research. However, this may be particularly important for fellows in craft specialties, where loss of practical skills can be a major concern.  

Annual Review

In order to address specific training and educational needs of clinical trainees, the Deanery and Dundee Clinical Academic Track initiative conducts annual reviews for all fellows in academic posts. For those enrolled in clinical training programmes (i.e. NTN holders) this will form part of the Annual Review of Competence Progression (ARCP). .

Re-entry into clinical training after the fellowship

A major concern for clinical research fellows is re-entry to clinical training on completion of the fellowship, and how academic momentum can be maintained while restabilising within a clinical environment. A number of different models are available, and close partnership with the postgraduate deanery facilitates a smooth and flexible transition back to clinical training.

Dundee Clinical Academic Track (DCAT)

The Dundee Clinical Academic Track website offers more information on Clinical Lecturers at the University of Dundee.