A doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent) is a key milestone for health professionals looking to progress as a clinical academic. Undertaking a PhD allows you to investigate clinical questions in depth, generate evidence that can influence practice and develop advanced research skills.
You don’t need to follow a rigid pathway, doctoral opportunities can be tailored around your clinical role, research interests and career goals. Many programmes allow part-time study or protected clinical time, helping you remain connected to patient care while developing as a clinical academic.
Tips for clinicians considering a PhD
- Choose a research question rooted in practice. Focus on problems you encounter in your clinical work, this increases relevance and impact.
- Seek mentorship early and find an academic supervisor who understands clinical practice and can guide your research.
- Plan your clinical time. Many fellowships allow partial protected clinical hours—balance is key to maintaining skills and networks.
- Engage with research networks. Join local or national groups, attend seminars and participate in conferences to build collaborations.
- There are many flexible PhD options. Part-time or split-site PhDs can help you manage clinical and personal commitments alongside research.