Building Capacity 2: Alternative research pathways

In the second episode of our Building Capacity: Past, Present and Future series, recorded at the RCPCH Trainee Research Network National Conference in Stafford, we explore stepping outside of standard training routes. Dr Leila Ellis of the Trainee Research Network speaks with Dr Sharna Shanmugavadivel and Dr Priyen Shah about how their careers have developed beyond the conventional clinical academic route. They discuss finding opportunities, mentors and how research experience can open doors into areas such as policy, artificial intelligence and health technology. Sharna and Priyen's experiences show how varied a career involving research can be and how opportunities can emerge from clinical questions, new skills and connections made along the way. Dr Leila Ellis is a member of the RCPCH Trainee Research Network and the Severn Paediatric Audit, Research and Quality Improvement Network. She is currently undertaking a Wellcome-funded PhD at the University of Bristol. Dr Sharna Shanmugavadivel is a PEM GRID trainee specialising in paediatric emergency medicine and has an interest in public health and health policy. She completed an NIHR Doctoral Research Fellowship after completing an OOPE as the HeadSmart fellow and currently leads the Child Cancer Smart campaign. Sharna was most recently appointed by the Secretary of State to Vice-Chair England's first Children and Young People's Cancer Taskforce at the Department of Health and Social Care using research to inform the recently published National Cancer Plan. Dr Priyen Shah is a paediatrician and Head of AI at Lantum. His background spans paediatrics, machine learning and infectious-disease research, and he now works on the application of artificial intelligence to healthcare workforce planning. Explore the resources mentioned in this episode: RCPCH Trainee Research Network - https://www.rcpch.ac.uk/resources/rcpch-trainee-research-network - find out about the national network, regional trainee research networks, research resources, and opportunities to get involved. Child Cancer Smart – https://www.cclg.org.uk/childcancersmart - an evidence-based campaign for families and professionals aiming to improve earlier diagnosis of cancer in children and teenagers. Lantum – https://www.lantum.com/ - a healthcare workforce platform that supports NHS and other healthcare organisations with staff rostering and workforce management. Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) fellowships – https://post.parliament.uk/fellowships/ - placements for researchers interested in gaining experience of how evidence is used in Parliament and policymaking. Fellows may contribute to parliamentary research briefings or work with Select Committees and other parliamentary teams. The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast relates only to the speakers and not necessarily to their employers, organisations, RCPCH or any other group or individual.