In the Severn Deanery we have developed academic training via three pathways. Firstly University of Bristol Clinical Lecturership aligned with a National Training Number via School of Ophthalmology at Severn Deanery; secondly, via NIHR clinical lectureships; and thirdly via the Academic Clinical Fellow programme.

All these programmes work in consort with PMETB guidelines for clinical accreditation in Ophthalmology utilizing the Annual Reviews of Competence Progression (ARCP) and RITAs. They continue with tailoring the programme for the individual: in line with NIHR guidelines. As such:

  • 50% of time is spent with tailored clinical training within the Severn Deanery (70% for ACFs)
  • 50% of time for academic training (30% for ACFs) . This includes protected research time during the week as well training in education via certificate or diploma in medical education. For further information please refer to the Teaching and Learning for Health Professionals site.

Positions are occupied by Post-Doctoral Clinical trainees and we work toward Follett principles of integrated academic and clinical appraisal. This is in line with recommendations and guidelines for appointments and allows the incumbent to develop toward independent PI status in academia whilst becoming accredited at consultant status for practicing ophthalmology. The training is as such as tailored as currently possible within the curriculum to support their research potential. That is, the programme is focussed toward clinical areas that support their research so that they develop appropriate excellence and expertise that aligns both clinically and experimentally. We are able to do this to some degree, because academic ophthalmology is central to development of School of Ophthalmology within the Severn Deanery and the combined ethos for such development, even with current constraints of College/ GMC(PMETB) curriculum. The alignment of tailored training for academics and their success clinically and in research should be a sine qua non. We still need to work toward the final recommendation of Tooke Report (Jan 08) #44:

“To be eligible for a Consultant Senior Lecturer appointment, the applicant should possess a CCT in the relevant specialty area. Higher specialist College exams could be tailored to limited subspecialty expertise, recognising the narrower scope of practice that some clinical academics may need to embrace."