Dr Marianne Beach
Academic Foundation Doctor (2024)
PATHWAY TO AN ASFP POSITION
I discovered my enjoyment of clinical research at university. I won an award for Best Research Project for my intercalated physiology dissertation. I also completed an undergraduate research fellowship using MATLAB and python to simulate atrial fibrillation and determine optimal catheter ablation sites during medical school. For this I received a King’s Experience Research Award.
I applied for the Oxford ASFP because OUCAGS offers a supportive but also open learning environment. I was free to pursue the right projects for me and to broaden my skills in other areas, including medical education, leadership and management.
WHAT DOES THE WORK INVOLVE?
For my AFSP I had academic day-release, with one day a week for 3 of 6 of my Foundation training rotations. I attended numerous courses, including the OUCAGS Introduction to Medical Research Skills, R training, PLTO training and statistical analysis courses. I also completed the Green Templeton College ‘Management in Medicine Programme’ and participated in multiple OUCAGS forums. I participated in several projects, including two main projects with the Critical Care Research Group and OxSOCRATES, which I focussed on for FY2.
I gained further experience in medical education by working as MedVis Oxford co-lead for FY1 and lead for FY2, organising virtual simulation sessions for Oxford University medical students.
I am a much more confident clinical academic because of the OUCAGS programme. Whilst it was a busy two years, I have been able to develop a strong skillset which I will utilise throughout my career.
What have been the pros and cons of the ASFP?
The flexibility and wide range of opportunities which the Oxford ASFP allows make it stand out compared to other ASFPs. The insights I received during networking dinners and forums will guide me well going forwards and no doubt be something I look back extremely grateful for later in my career.
Time management skills are essential for this programme. You must be organised and disciplined with your academic time and plan each week well to make the most of available opportunities. Don’t be surprised if your work falls beyond your academic time, particularly for those on academic day-release (who have less academic time overall).
WHY OXFORD?
The flexibility the OUCAGS programme allows made it the obvious choice for me. Furthermore, Oxford as a word-renowned centre for research felt like the perfect environment for me to further refine the research skills I began to develop during university.
The OUCAGS programme not only allows you to access numerous resources, funding and courses, but provides lots of networking opportunities. You can participate in an enriching environment where you gain advice from people that have already achieved amazing successes in clinical academia.
It goes without saying that Oxford is also a beautiful place to live and work!
October 2024