Eva Wooding
Current Position: Academic Clinical Fellow in Paediatrics
Research Field: Aspergillus fumigatus in the paediatric lung
Why did you decide to undertake clinical academic training and what pathway have you taken so far?
I had some opportunities to take part in small scale research projects during my undergraduate and foundation training and I really enjoyed them. I found I was increasingly doing research in my spare time and when an ACF post in my specialty came out it felt like a natural progression.
I took a standard route through undergraduate training and foundation programme, entered paediatric speciality training and then applied for an ACF during my ST1 year. I’m now ST4 and in the final year of my ACF having done it less than full time with a couple of maternity leaves during.
Why did you choose to conduct your clinical training at the University of Exeter and what are some of the highlights?
I had studied medicine in Devon so already knew what an amazing place Exeter University was. When I spoke to clinical academics in Exeter before applying for my ACF everyone was incredibly nurturing and supportive and excited to get me involved in projects and help me build my career as a clinical academic. The supervision and support that I’ve had from my supervisors has been second to none.
What challenges have you faced during your clinical academic training and how have you overcome these?
I changed research groups part-way through my ACF as my career plans developed. This process required a lot of communication, support and trust from my supervisors and was absolutely the right thing for me.
I’ve applied for grants and a fellowship that were unsuccessful. All of these were disappointing at the time, but the process of applying and putting myself out there was invaluable. Mentors, supervisors and colleagues took the time to support me and give me advice that has really helped to focus my efforts and ultimately drive my research forward and develop a solid revised plan going forward.
What impact has clinical academic training had on your career and what are your next steps?
Clinical academic training has brought heighted passion and and breadth to my career. I love the variety of my academic and clinical work and how they feed into each other. Working as a clinical academic helps me to be curious and questioning in my clinical practice, which I believe makes me better at my clinical work. My next step is working up mu proposal to apply for a PhD fellowship in 2024.
What advice would you give to an aspiring clinical academic?
Go for it! Find a researcher/clinician with similar interests to you and reach out to them.
If they can’t help don’t be afraid to ask more people. So many people that I’ve approached about research has been hugely welcoming and helpful.
