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MRC Special Training Fellowship in Health Service Research: Personal Experience

Learn about my personal experience with the MRC Special Training Fellowship in Health Service Research, including the application process, success factors, and gains from the fellowship. Insightful advice for future applicants.

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MRC Special Training Fellowship in Health Service Research: Personal Experience

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  1. MRC Special Training Fellowship in Health Service Research: Personal Experience Lynne Ferrar Academic Unit of Bone Metabolism School of Biomedical Sciences University of Sheffield

  2. Outline • Who am I? • Why did I apply? • How did I go about applying? • Why was I successful? • What has been my experience of the fellowship? • What have I gained? • Any unforeseen difficulties or low points? • Advice for anyone applying for a fellowship?

  3. Who Am I?

  4. Career History • Post doc with Prof Eastell since 2000 • part-time secondment to STHT Research Office, 2003- 2004 • part-time lecturer in radiography and research methods, Sheffield Hallam University, 2001-2002 • coordinator of Bone Metabolism Centre Grant 2000-2002 • Senior radiographer Osteoporosis Centre, 1995-1996 (research and clinical) • Clinical radiographer, 1976-1978; 1984-1995

  5. Research Experience: Main Focus Concave Wedge Crush

  6. Research Experience: Funding and Publications • Funding • MRC Special Training Fellowship in HSR 2004-2007 + extension 2007-2008 • National Osteoporosis Society fellowship 1997-1999; 2001-2002 • Arc project grant (principal investigator) 2007-2008 • Publications • 13 papers published in peer reviewed journals • 10 1st author, 1 senior author

  7. Why Did I Apply for the Fellowship?

  8. Up to 5 years salary Clinical or applied research Funding for training courses Applications encouragedfrom allied health professionals Opportunity to spend time in another research establishment MRC fellowships highly regarded Reasons for Applying for the Fellowship

  9. How Did I Go About Making the Application?

  10. Preparing the Application • Downloaded application forms and guidance for applicants • Met with Prof Eastell to draw up research plan • Completed application and distributed within Department of Clinical Sciences

  11. Interview and Outcome • Interview at MRC Head Office • Recommended I obtain a second supervisor with a track record in health service research • Prof John Brazier (ScHARR) agreed to act as 2nd supervisor • Awarded fellowship for 3 years

  12. Why Was I Successful?

  13. Why Was I Successful? • Track record • Individual • 5 papers published + one in press • 2 previous research fellowships • health service background • Research group and institution • recognised for musculoskeletal research • Training plan • placement in another research establishment • Diploma in Health Service Research and Health Service Technology • in-house training courses

  14. Why Was I Successful (2)? • Project • original • able to identify patient benefit • included health service research component • national and international collaborations with renowned research groups

  15. Experience of Having the Fellowship • Administration of grant by MRC has been very “hands off” • Consumables allowance disproportionately large compared to travel allowance • but flexibility in allocation of resources • Support network • annual fellows meetings • presentations of fellows’ research • Workshops

  16. What have I Gained from the Fellowship?

  17. Opportunity to Work in San Francisco!

  18. What Have I Gained from the Fellowship? • Developed analysis plans for research project • Formed new collaboration Publication of another 7 papers • Certificate in Health Service Research • External recognition • policy development committee of International Society for Clinical Densitometry • chairing a session at NOS annual conference and award for best abstract • review papers and grant applications

  19. Unforeseen Difficulties or Low Points

  20. Unforeseen Difficulties or Low Points • Unable to complete planned research within 3 years • Did not attend all planned courses • Certificate in HSR instead of Diploma • Workload • course in HSR • new collaborations • other commitments • no clerical or admin support • Failed to obtain funding for PhD student or to get the RCUK fellowship

  21. What Advice Would I Give to Anyone Applying for an MRC (or other) Fellowship?

  22. Consult the MRC Start early Discuss with others Pay attention to presentation Read guidance for applicants Attend the grant writing workshop! General Points

  23. The Research Project • Original and worthwhile (identify potential benefits) • Do-able • Within scope of previous experience • Preliminary or pilot data • For Fellowship in HSR, ensure at least part of project qualifies as HSR

  24. The Training Plan • Tailor training plan to fill gaps in experience, skills, knowledge • Justify your choice of training establishment (s) and supervisor (s) • Identify potential benefits • Be specific in terms of the courses you plan to attend • Have realistic and appropriate timelines

  25. Acknowledgements

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