NDPCHS Undergraduate Career Pathways: Exploring opportunities in academic primary care, research and medicine
4 December 2024
Priya Sarma, a 1st Year Graduate-Entry Medicine student, offers a peek behind the curtain of the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences' Career Pathways event. She shares her experience, highlighting the diverse career pathways in academic primary care, as well as the research opportunities and practical advice gained during the event.
About the author
Priya Sarma is a 1st Year Graduate-Entry Medicine student at the University of Oxford, having previously completed a Master’s in Pharmacy and a DPhil in Health Services research. In this blog, she shares her reflections on the event and the many pathways into primary care.
On Tuesday, 19 November, the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences (NDPCHS) hosted an inspiring educational event for medical students at the University of Oxford, focused on career pathways in academic primary care. The event brought together students, academics and seasoned professionals to discuss the diverse and impactful opportunities in primary care research, teaching and practice.
Why academic primary care?
As populations grow and healthcare demands become more complex, the field of primary care faces the challenge of meeting patient needs while continuously improving the quality, equity and efficiency of care. This is where academic primary care steps in – driving research that shapes better practices, influences policy and trains the next generation of healthcare providers. For medical students with an interest in research and a desire to impact public health on a broad scale, academic primary care offers a fulfilling and dynamic career path.
Event highlights: Insights and inspiration
The event was structured around interactive talks, panel discussions and Q&A sessions, allowing students to engage directly with experts and gain real-world perspectives on academic careers. Speakers shared their personal journeys in the field, covering the unique experiences that inspired them to pursue research in primary care. This was followed by a drinks reception and dinner, enabling students to network with a range of staff and peers.
Throughout the event, a wide array of research and academic opportunities available to students were presented, including:
1. Undergraduate research opportunities
- Special Study Modules (SSM), Academic Special Interest Projects (ASIP) , EBM Special Study Theme (SST), and Final Honours Scheme (FHS) are available to undergraduate students, offering practical exposure to primary care research.
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Opportunities to collaborate on diverse projects, such as those in health technology, social prescribing, and chronic disease management.
2. Recognition and prizes
- Students were encouraged to participate in competitions such as the Martin Lawrence Scholarship, Professionalism Prize and the Primary Care Project Prize, with awards for exceptional research and reflective work.
- National and international programmes, including National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) internships and scholarships, further highlighted the scope of academic engagement. Read about a previous medical student’s experience completing the NIHR School for Primary Care Research (SPCR) internship here.
3. Pathways to specialisation
- Speakers shared details on structured pathways such as the Academic Clinical Fellowship (ACF), integrating clinical training with academic development, which provides a gateway to doctoral and postdoctoral research.
Reflections from attendees
Students left the event with a clearer understanding of the pathways available to them in academic primary care and a new appreciation for the potential impact they could have by pursuing this career. Several attendees shared their reflections, noting how the event expanded their perspective on what a career in academic primary care could look like. For students considering careers in medicine, events like this are invaluable, as they offer insights and real-life stories that textbooks (or Google) alone cannot provide.
Final thoughts and key takeaways
The event emphasised practical advice for medical students:
1. Build your CV early
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Students were encouraged to identify research questions they are passionate about and seek out mentors via the department’s resources and Undergraduate Team to guide their projects.
2. Utilise resources
- NDPCHS provides extensive support through departmental research groups, medical electives and mentorship from experienced academics.
3. The importance of reflection and growth
- Speakers underscored the need for personal development, leadership skills and adaptability in navigating academic careers.
For students interested in healthcare innovation, population health and patient-centred research, academic primary care is a field with vast potential. As more students discover its rewards and challenges, the future of healthcare becomes brighter and more collaborative.
Thank you to everyone who made the event possible, including the event organisers and the speakers who delivered such engaging presentations.
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