Early career researchers
SAPC is committed to supporting primary care researchers throughout their career and especially at the earlier stages. We have an early career academic working group, comprised of members of the SAPC Executive committee, and external members, both clinical and primary healthcare scientists, researchers and educationalists. We work as a group to ensure that SAPC addresses the challenges facing early career academics in primary care.
How SAPC supports ECR careers
Setting out on a career in academic primary care can be daunting, and many people aren’t sure where to start and what the best route might be. SAPC provides a range of opportunities to support and improve early careers for those in academic primary care. These include:
Standardising opportunities
Ensuring opportunities are standardised across institutions, coordinated through our Heads of Department group
Information and support
We have developed range of resources to help guide individuals to achieved independence as a researcher
Mentoring opportunities
SAPC offers a mentoring scheme to members from all disciplines and professional backgrounds
Networking
Benefit from being part of a large network of like-minded individuals, sharing experience of other ECRs and learning from senior academics
Conferences
These offer a great chance to disseminate your research and get known by the wider academic community, as well as providing learning opportunities
Dedicated meetings and buddying scheme
Attending a conference can be scary – we host dedicated meetings for ECRs and a buddying scheme for first-time attendees
Fees and bursaries
Students and other trainees may benefit from discounted rates or bursaries, both in terms of membership or attendance at events
Special interest groups
Our SIGs can connect you with researchers at similar stages, and can often help and support with research and career plans
Primary care scientists and wider clinical workforce
Benefit from support from our dedicated groups which help tackle career paths for those from disciplines other than medicine
Professional continuity
SAPC can serve as a consistent academic presence when moving between institutions and posts
Representation
SAPC ensures that academic primary care, including the needs of our early career members, is represented at relevant national organisations (e.g. RCGP, BMA)
News
SAPC produces a regular newsletter, plus other news and information, to advertise training, vacancies and other opportunities relevant to ECRs
Next steps?
Want to know more about progressing your career in academic primary care, including getting advice on funding in early career or hearing what the experts have to say? Get in touch!
SAPC ECA co lead
Dr Hassan Awan
SAPC ECA co lead
Dr Peter Edwards