Could you tell us something about your background and what attracted you to a career in medicine and medical science?
Born in London, state school educated. My brother (three years older) went into medicine: this factor probably most strongly influenced my decision to do medicine. I went to Manchester Medical School, and qualified in 1990. It was only in 1994, after passing the exam for membership of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP) that I decided that research was the appropriate next step. I came back to Manchester to start an MD in gastrointestinal (GI) sciences. Really, it was only after a year of doing this (I had intended to go back to clinical training) that the medical research bug started to bite. Encouraged by my supervisors at the time (Professor Thompson), I applied for a Medical Research Council (MRC) Clinical Training Fellowship (CTF) in 1996, and was successful. That was the turning point in my academic career.
Were there any problems you had to overcome in getting going?
It was a struggle financially, without the regular “on-call”. I was fortunate to join an established and well organised team who kept me going, when I had doubts about the nature of the results of the research.
Please tell us briefly about the training and research you have taken to date?
Since 1994, I have been training in gastroenterology. I started with a clinical fellowship, and then in 1996, got the MRC CTF. In 1999, after completing my PhD (1998), I was appointed to a clinical lecturer’s post. In 2000, I was awarded an MRC Clinician Scientist Fellowship (5 years). I completed my clinical training in Gastroenterology and GIM (CCST) in October 2002. I now hold an honorary consultant physician title at Hope Hospital. I am also a lecturer in GI sciences.
What are the most enjoyable aspects of your life and work and which the most challenging?
There is little doubt that the research life has been a rewarding experience. The satisfaction of seeing a body of work published or successful grant being awarded really gives you a buzz. In addition, the opportunities to travel, present work and be recognised by your peers as an expert in the field is very satisfying. I particularly enjoy the interaction with other researchers and the excitement associated with coming up with a great collaborative research idea. My time is flexible, and that too helps. From a challenging perspective, there is also an enormous amount of pressure in balancing the clinical work load, with the research activity. Also, ensuring that home and family life are preserved is vitally important: in this regard, you are very dependent on supportive (and selfless) spouses/partners.
Can you describe in simple terms the research work you’re currently undertaking?
I’m mainly interested in the brain control mechanisms of GI functions: mainly swallowing and continence. I’m particularly interested in establishing how these functions are modulated by the brain, and how peripheral input (e.g. sensation) can alter the brain control of these vital functions. I’m specifically focusing on trying to develop treatment strategies, based on neuro-stimulation techniques that might favourably alter brain function and improve symptoms of dysphagia (swallowing problems) after brain injury and incontinence.
What seem to you to be the pros and cons of combining academic study with medical practice for you so far?
This is a tricky one. Most of us trained to be doctors, and so instinctively, you always want to practise those skills to the best of your ability. However, the highest quality research only comes in an environment where there is protected research time. There is always pressure from the clinical side to do more. This is often unrewarded (financially). The key is to make sure that you only take on what is realistic, and have seniors on the academic side who are supportive of this ethos. Ideally, being able to add value to medical practice, by utilising your research knowledge is the best outcome.
If you have an Academy mentor, in what ways has this been useful to you?
I did, Professor Tallis. It was great to have someone like Ray to have ‘fireside’ chats with, and talk about my career and where I’m going. I have now become too senior to continue to have a mentor (I mentor a whole team myself now). I have been able to translate the experiences with Ray to that team.
What is the next career step for you and how will you achieve it? What help might you need?
Promotion to senior lecturer, and then hopefully professor. I would like to apply for an MRC Senior Fellowship. This will come through continued hard work, and perseverance in my area of research. Good academic researchers will be recognised and rewarded. Much of this is in my own hands. Having a forum to discuss these issues would and is useful.
If someone still at medical school asked you about life and work as a clinical academic or a medical science researcher what would you say?
It’s no easy ride, but if you are smart, motivated and serious, then it is probably the most rewarding career path from any medically qualified person. It’s not always easy to predict which directions you will go, but if you get an opportunity to sample research, jump at it, and the bug might bite!
