Taking part in research during your medical degree is a valuable way to explore current developments in healthcare, strengthen your academic and clinical skills and actively contribute to the advancement of medical science. It also provides a strong foundation for future career opportunities or postgraduate study.
As an undergraduate, research involvement can help you:
Intercalation is a chance for medical students to take a year out during their medical degree to study a related subject. This could be in research, teaching or another field, and it’s an opportunity to dive deeper into academic medicine.
Intercalation gives you the chance to explore topics outside of traditional medical training. You could focus on areas like:
Each university offers different intercalation options, so it’s a good idea to research what’s available at your university. For more details, check out the list of courses at intercalate.co.uk, managed by Hull York Medical School.
The cost of an intercalated year depends on the course and your fee status, so it’s important to check the specific fees for your course before applying.
The Specialised Foundation Programme (SFP) allows foundation doctors to gain the same workplace training as the regular Foundation Programme, with the added opportunity to explore academic, teaching, and leadership roles. The key difference is the chance to pursue a research project, providing valuable experience in both clinical and academic settings. You can apply for the SFP even if you haven’t completed an intercalated year.
CATCH is a platform designed to promote the role of clinical academics and support health professionals starting their clinical academic careers. The site covers a range of professions, including medicine, and features interviews with academics at various stages of their careers, offering valuable insights and guidance.
Visit the site to explore clinical academic careers and discover how to kickstart your own path in this rewarding field.