Dr Amelia Bowman

Lab work during my intercalated BA in Medical Sciences, including a prize-winning project in drug repurposing, was a fundamental experience that inspired me to apply to the ASFP.

Also, having trained in Oxford, I had heard from colleagues about the ASFP and how fantastic OUCAGS was in supporting trainees with mentors and funding opportunities. In addition, I was co-president of the Oxford University Clinical Research Society, and working with like-minded individuals significantly contributed to my goals in wanting to continue research once qualified as a clinician.

Research work

I had academic day-release for 3 of my 6 Foundation training rotations over the 2 years of my ASFP. This allowed me to work on a few separate projects over the course of the programme.

I worked on an ICU-based clinical trial ‘T4P’ (Threshold for Platelets) and successfully completed the NIHR API (Associate Principal Investigator) Scheme, as well as continuing projects focused on acute care. Inspired by my previous lab experience, I also worked on a wet-lab project looking at the effect of commonly used drugs on neutrophil function. This ongoing work is in collaboration with the Fullerton group.

I would say that, when starting on the ASFP, one key thing to think about is the type of academic time you are given and how that fits in with your desired plans and outcomes. For example, doing laboratory work during day-release, rather than during a four-month block, certainly requires more planning to make things happen. Time management is an essential skill of the ASFP, but there is support available.

Other developmental activities

During the programme, I attended numerous courses, including OUCAGS' Introduction to Medical Research Skills, R training and PLTO (Preparation for Learning and Teaching at Oxford) training. In addition, I’ve had the opportunity to present my work at conferences, including winning a national prize, and can’t thank OUCAGS enough for the funding to make it possible.

I’ve also further developed my passion for teaching and regularly contribute to undergraduate clinical teaching, including tutoring anatomy to first-year medical students.

Oxford has many fantastic selling points, not least the role of OUCAGS in supporting academic trainees. OUCAGS offers flexibility in project choice, funding opportunities and bespoke academic mentoring. There are also opportunities to attend networking dinners, participate in regular academic forums and access courses.

Oxford is renowned for providing good clinical training to clinicians. It is also a hive of research at the cutting edge of science, allowing for a unique environment where research is not just possible but encouraged in addition to clinical duties.

The ASFP has allowed me to develop vital skills and I look forward to pursuing an ACF in the future.

July 2025