Associate Academic Fellow

This successful and established Scheme has been running for over twenty years, providing a rolling programme of two-year posts for four General Practitioners at any one time. It is based in Cardiff and South-East Wales, within the Division of Population Medicine which has an internationally competitive track record in research and makes a significant contribution to undergraduate and postgraduate education.

The Scheme would suit any GP qualified to work in Wales who wants to learn about teaching, critical appraisal, and research. Post-holders have protected time and financial support to pursue a comprehensive programme of personal and professional development, whilst delivering much needed support to practices in disadvantaged areas to improve patient care.

No previous academic experience is required as there is a high level of support from senior staff, both academically, and clinically. In addition, the strong and cohesive team of Academic Fellows provides plenty of peer support.

46 Fellows have been, or are in post, the majority having achieved research publications, and postgraduate qualifications in a wide range of areas, and all have had valuable undergraduate teaching experience. To date 127 Academic Fellow attachments have supported practices to improve their patient care.

Typically an Academic Fellow will go on to practice in deprived areas while maintaining links with the Division of Population Medicine, in teaching and research. They also are highly likely to teach undergraduates in their practices and become GP trainers. Some have moved into Public Health and medical management. Several have secured prestigious externally funded research fellowships and completed PhDs.

Comments from an alumni survey:
'This scheme has been pivotal in the career path I have taken'
'Probably the scheme was the most intense, exciting and satisfying 2 years of my working life so far!'
'I went on to complete my PhD and consider myself an academic GP as a result of the scheme.'
'The scheme enabled me to pursue a specialist interest in medical education by supporting me to achieve the MSc in medical education and providing opportunities in teaching within the University setting '

In a rapidly changing professional world this is an unrivalled opportunity to gain experience and qualifications that would prepare a GP for wider future professional opportunities., To work within the Academic Fellows Scheme to provide high-quality general practice-based care to practices in deprived areas of South Wales and to contribute to research and teaching in the School of Medicine. To undertake a postgraduate qualification, pursue a programme of personal development, maintain professional development (including clinical skills) and acquire high quality teaching and research skills., To provide comprehensive, high-quality care for the designated practice(s) serving a deprived community

• To contribute to audit, teaching and research activities in the practice


• To form a learning set to enable personal and peer development, and maintain professional development with other similar post-holders


• To undertake an original piece of work in teaching or research with supervision and support


• To contribute to the delivery of the School's undergraduate and postgraduate education programs


• To publish original work and other scholarly work approved by the scheme Director


• To work towards a further qualification - Masters, Diploma or Certificate


• To attend and/or contribute to the regular Division meetings and academic workshops


• You may be asked to perform other duties occasionally which are not included above, but which will be consistent with the role.


• To conform to such other regulations that have been or shall hereafter be approved by the University Authorities.
  
  1. Ability and qualifications to work as a UK general practitioner either at time of application or within a timescale negotiated with the Division of Population Medicine.

2. A current driving licence and access to a car for clinical work
3. Enthusiasm for multidisciplinary teamwork
4. Enthusiasm for, and intention to teach
5. Enthusiasm for, and intention to acquire research skills
6. Enthusiasm for general practice and the possession of high-level clinical skills
7. Enthusiasm for a future role in teaching, research, or clinical leadership

Desirable Criteria

8. Understanding and awareness of problems of healthcare in post-industrial UK and particularly the South Wales Valleys
9. Able to demonstrate knowledge of current issues in the UK and international General Practice and evidence of a structured mature record of self-directed learning with appraised learning needs.
10. Enthusiasm for the Scheme as demonstrated by research or teaching activities prior to interview.

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds who have the ambition to create a University which seeks to fulfil our social, cultural and economic obligation to Cardiff, Wales, and the world. In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements., Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

This is a full time position of 40 hours per week and is fixed-term for 2 years and is available from 1st September 2024.

Salary : £39,371 - £68,166 per annum (Clinical Academic Salary Scale: D1) - Previous appointments were all made at the top of this scale.