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Descriptions of figures 1a and 1b in the IAT guide

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Published: 19 November 2020

Version: 1.0 Nov 2020

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The following descriptions relate to figures found in the IAT Guide.

Figure 1a. Integrated Academic Training Pathway (Medicine)

This diagram shows the integrated academic training pathway for doctors. During medical school, students could complete an MB, intercalated BSc, MD or PhD. Graduate entry medical students may have relevant prior academic research experience.

Upon graduation from medical school, doctors complete two years of foundation programme / academic foundation programme training, prior to entering Specialist Training (ST).

Doctors in specialist training can apply for an Academic Clinical Fellowship (ACF) with entry between ST1 and ST3, or  ST4 for Paediatrics, Psychiatry, and Emergency Medicine. The ACF provides protected academic time and research training alongside clinical specialist training. At the end of an ACF, the majority of doctors will spend three years out of programme to undertake a personal training fellowship leading to the award of a PhD/MD.

Doctors in higher specialist training (ST3 or above) that have a PhD/MD can apply for a Clinical Lectureship (CL). The CL provides protected academic time for doctors to gain research  independence while progressing towards the acquisition of a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT). Once a doctor has their CCT and has a senior position, they may hold a research professorship, be a senior lecturer, hold a senior clinical fellowship, undertake continued professional development and/or be a consultant with research sessions.

Fully qualified GPs can apply for an In-Practice Fellowship, which is similar to an ACF. Alternatively, doctors with a PhD/MD could apply for a Postdoctoral Award at any point during specialist training.
 

Figure 1b. Integrated Academic Training Pathway (Dentistry)

This diagram shows the integrated academic pathway for dentists. During dental school, students could complete a BDS, intercalated BSc, DDS or PhD. Graduate entry dental students may have relevant prior academic research experience.

Upon graduation from dental school, dentists undertake core training  (DCT) for up to three years before entering specialist training, or general dental practice (GDP). Dentists in dental core training, specialist training, or general dental practice can apply for an Academic Clinical Fellowship (ACF) with entry between DCT1 and ST3. The ACF provides protected academic time and research training alongside clinical training. At the end of an ACF, the majority of dentists will spend three years out of programme to undertake a personal training fellowship leading to the award of a PhD/MD.

Dentists that have a PhD/MD can apply for a Clinical Lectureship (CL) with entry from ST1. The CL provides protected academic time for dentists to gain research  independence while progressing towards the acquisition of a Certificate of Completion of Specialist Training (CCST). Once a dentist has their CCST and has a senior position, they may hold a research professorship, be a senior lecturer, hold a senior clinical fellowship, undertake continued professional development and/or be a consultant with research sessions.

Fully qualified GDPs can apply for an In-Practice Fellowship, which is similar to an ACF. Alternatively, GDPs and dentists in specialist training that have a PhD/MD could apply for a Postdoctoral Award.