1. Clinical Academic Research Reflections of a non-medical professional.
Melanie Baker MSc
Senior Specialist Dietitian

2. A bit about me Time Point Comment 1996
Graduated from University of Surrey BSc(Hons) Nutrition
2001
Moved to a Senior Nutrition Team Post in Leicester
MSc in Health Service Research Part-Time
Involved in a small research projects / applying for ethics /Conference posters
2005
Post MSc formulated initial ideas for a research project
2007
Draft Proposal shared with UGI Surgeons to get buy in
2008
Protocol revisions +++
Approached Enteral Feeding company for support (30K – unsuccessful)

3. My History Time Point Comment 2009
Applied for small grants – unsuccessful.
More protocol revisions
2010
Contacted Research Design Service for support
Bid team formulated (UHL/University)
Applied to NIHR Research for Patient Benefit Scheme
(250K) – After revisions SUCESSFUL!!!!
Research Project- Funded 0.4WTE
2015
Back to clinical job
HEEM Award to work up a PhD proposal (7.5K).
Awarded PENG research funds (4K)
2016
Exploring options for doing a PhD
NIHR ICA Fellowship and other routes

4. Being successful with research
Patience and time,
Formulating a clinically relevant research question,
PICO
Don’t give up and prepare for knock backs,
Unsuccessful applications provide useful feedback
Ask for help, more help and then some more,
Colleagues at own trust, regional, national

5. Further lessons learnt
5. Utilise the expertise available,
Hospital R&D dept
Local and National Research Support

6. 6. Grant money and time don’t necessary match
7. “its not what you know it’s who you know”
Select a team of colleagues (choose wisely)
Experience is key (find someone interested who is a major grant holder)
8. There is an element of luck
Timing of application vs perceived priorities

7. Other things I wish I had known!
9. Paperwork, paperwork and more paperwork
Maintain a site file.
Design a data collection tool (CRF) to collect all relevant information
All personal involved in the study must be research compliant (GCP)
Documentation of consent and each research activity.
Reporting
Don’t under estimate time when costing

8. Being successful Don’t underestimate the new skills and
knowledge you will acquire AND the transferable
skills you already have.
Time Management
EBP
As AHP we have loads to offer
Project Planning
Academic
Writing
Completer/
Finisher

9. Co-ordinating a research Study
Time management is key.
Dedicate your time
Find a home outside of the clinical dept/office
Be flexible
Set realistic milestones / meet regularly
Get out there and share your results!

10. Final lessons 11. Look for the next opportunity.
Its never been a better time for a clinical academic career!
Apply for small amounts of money.
Second protocol is easier than the first!
12. Embrace the research bug
Keep questioning and asking for help, support
and guidance – build your research network.