Summarise the training and research you have taken to date
After doing my preclinical studies at Oxford (1987-1990) and my clinical years at St Mary’s Hospital, London (1990-1993), I did several years in a variety of acute medical jobs including two years of anaesthesia. At the end of my last senior house officer (SHO) post, a year of adult intensive care at the Middlesex Hospital, London, one of the consultants (Monty Mythen) asked me if I had planned a next job. Having no particular plans, he asked me if I was interested in being involved in a year-long clinical study giving different types of intravenous fluid to patients having surgery. During this year I also became aware of, and involved in some of Monty’s interests: fluid balance, endotoxin and organ dysfunction and perioperative outcomes. Through Monty’s contacts and help I became involved with collaborative projects with colleagues. After this year I obtained a national training number’(NTN) in anaesthesia (North Central Thames), did two years of clinical anaesthesia and again came back to research, this time at University College London (UCL), with the intention of, perhaps, doing a higher degree. I was lucky in being awarded a three-year clinical research training fellowship by the Academy of Medical Sciences.

Describe the research work you’re currently undertaking?
Several studies have shown that low levels of natural antibodies to endotoxin (an inflammation-inducing molecule present in all gram negative bacteria) predispose to complications following surgery. I am investigating several aspects of these antibodies with my colleagues at the Institute of Child Health, UCL.

At what point did you decide to study this area and why?
During the research year following intensive care (before getting onto an SpR rotation) year I wrote 2 reviews with colleagues on endotoxin immunity. The idea that an antibody might be protective against serious postoperative complications got me interested; it seemed an unlikely idea! Even now we’re not sure if it really does protect, or whether this effect works some other factor. I think this area is fascinating for many reasons. It requires basic scientists and clinicians, immunology and microbiology and has the potential to improve the lot of patients undergoing major surgery.

How did you find this position?
My supervisor told me of the grant possibilities, but I was already working with him at the time.

What other ways did you use to look for research work?
As I mentioned earlier, I was asked to do a relatively short term project during my last ‘SHO’ job in intensive care.

What seem to you to be the pros and cons of combining academic study with medical practice for you so far?
At the moment, I’m doing 100% research (1st year) but I will add in clinical sessions soon.

What advice would you give to someone at medical school starting to think about academic medicine?
After medical school, I think it is important to get as wide as experience (within reason!) in medicine as possible, compatible with a decent quality of life. I’d encourage them, but warn that there are uncertainties, and that (to combat them) to feel clinically confident + competent is important (for me anyway). Clinical medicine can inform the research questions, initially at least anyway.