Charles Taylor, Specialised Foundation Programme doctor talks about his experience of the programme at City St George’s
Charles Taylor
What attracted you to the academic foundation programme?
From early on in medical school, I was intrigued by the intersection between clinical practice and research. This interest further developed during my Surgical MSc where I developed a real enjoyment for independent research and academic writing. The opportunity to combine clinical training with protected time to pursue academic projects made the Specialised Foundation Programme incredibly appealing. City St George’s offered a supportive environment where I could explore translational research in depth. The protected research time in the SFP was a huge draw — it’s rare so early in one’s career to be given that space to think, investigate, and grow academically. I saw the SFP as a great step into academic medicine.
How is the Academic Foundation Programme helping you to achieve your academic goals?
The SFP has been fundamental to my development. It has allowed me to lead and publish multiple research projects, present internationally and even gain experience in clinical governance and managing research teams. Beyond the research itself, the programme gave me access to expert mentorship and networking opportunities as well as access to funding. These connections have helped me gain a deeper understanding on how to contribute meaningfully to my field.
Through the SFP, I also completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Healthcare Research Skills and Methods, providing me with formal training and further developing my abilities. This programme helped me tremendously in ranking 2nd in the national Core Surgical Training application process and securing an Academic Clinical Fellowship offer from Imperial College London. The SFP has provided me with far more than just research experience, it has developed a foundation for a future clinical academic career.
Have your research skills developed during your SFP at City St George’s?
Definitely. I transitioned from primarily educational and secondary research to more clinically impactful, multi-centre, translational work, including collaboration and publication with institutes such as Harvard and Utrecht. I became more confident with statistical software, ethical approval applications, large data sets and the publication process in general. I was also able to take on responsibility for helping manage St George’s spinal surgery unit research team.
What advice would you give to aspiring medical students regarding clinical academic training?
My advice would be to be curious. If you're excited by discovery and like the idea of challenging the status quo and improving patient care, then academic medicine offers a fulfilling route to do so. Seek mentorship, build your skills and apply early. The SFP will open more doors than you can imagine and provide you with a fantastic and varied work balance. Don’t be put off by competition ratios, it’s a great programme that is suitable for all.