Hosted by the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences (NDPCHS), the 2025 Career Pathways to Academic Primary Care event gave undergraduate medical students an inside look at the world of academic general practice. Talks and discussions throughout the day reflected a shared message: academic primary care is not just about research outputs – it's also about curiosity, collaboration and improving lives through better evidence and education.
Dr Agalya Ramanathan welcoming students to the event
Opening the event, Dr Agalya Ramanathan welcomed attendees before Dr David Nunan introduced the first session on the Student Research Experience. Student presenters Dr Robert Murphy and Manon Roberts shared how their Special Study Module (SSM) and Final Honours School (FHS) projects helped them apply evidence-based approaches to real-world primary care questions – and inspired them to pursue academic pathways.
Dr David Nunan speaking to the event attendees
Dr Jack Amiry chaired a lively discussion with Dr Phoenix Guwa and GP Society representatives Aiswariya Tailor and Caitlin Gardner, who reflected on what drew them to primary care. Their discussion touched on the sense of purpose, community and variety found in general practice.
Dr Jack Amiry interviewing Dr Phoenix Guwa and GP Society representatives Aiswariya Tailor and Caitlin Gardner
Insights From Leaders in Academic Primary Care
Professor Sophie Park offered an engaging overview of the opportunities available to students across education and research, while Head of Department Professor Sir Aziz Sheikh, joining virtually, spoke about Oxford’s global influence on primary care research and policy.
Professor Sophie Park highlighting the opportunities available to Undergraduate students
Speakers Dr Conor Coyle and Bakita Kasadha shared their experiences of the Academic Clinical Fellowship and NIHR Doctoral Research Fellowship schemes, reminding students that there is no single ‘right’ pathway into academia. Professor Kamal Mahtani also inspired attendees to think about how portfolio careers can bridge research, teaching and clinical work, and how growing an academic career can influence policy and health care practice.
Professor Kamal Mahtani speaking on 'Growing your clinical-academic career'
Later in the afternoon, Dr Jack Amiry facilitated another discussion – this time with Dr Anna Seeley, Dr Francesca Dakin and Dr Sarah Morrow, who reflected on their DPhil experiences within the Department. The session emphasised both the challenges and the fulfilment of undertaken research that directly informs patient care.
The student activity showcase that followed celebrated the achievements of this year’s undergraduate prize winners, whose projects demonstrated the creativity and rigour of the next generation of academic clinicians. Congratulations to Year 1&2 prize winners (Atitya Vichayanrat, Faith Williams and Geena Capps), FHS prize winner (Ava Milne), SPCR prize winners (Milou Ottolini and Dhanush Ammineni) and the Nordic prize (Dr Antonia-Olivia Roberts).
Atitya Vichayanrat accepting her Year 1 Learning with Patients - Professional Practice Prize certificate
However, what stood out most from the event was the energy in the room: students asked thoughtful questions about balancing research with clinical work, how to connect with mentors, and how to make an early start in academic medicine.
The day closed with a drinks networking reception and dinner in St Hilda’s Riverside Pavilion, giving attendees the chance to meet academics at all stages of their careers – from doctoral researchers to senior members of the Department. One student reflected afterwards:
‘It was an absolutely lovely gathering of really passionate people. The dinner setting was also beautiful...it’s rare to get to speak to doctors who don’t have a direct role in teaching you, so that was an incredible opportunity. It was also lovely to mingle with medics in other year groups.’
Students and academics enjoying dinner at St Hilda's Pavilion
The annual Career Pathways event continues to be a highlight for our Undergraduate programmes, supporting NDPCHS’s mission to inspire and equip the next generation of clinician-researchers, ensuring that curiosity, compassion and scientific rigour remain at the heart of primary care.