Dr Felicity Knights, Academic Clinical Fellow (ACF) in General Practice talks about her decision to apply for an ACF and how the award at St George’s has provided opportunities for research and leadership roles along with teaching opportunities and educational projects.
Dr Felicity Knights
Why were you interested in applying for an academic clinical fellowship (ACF) in general practice?
My motivation to train as a doctor has been significantly underpinned by a desire to provide holistic care which meets the needs of the whole person, and to challenge the national and global inequities which lead to such different health and wider life outcomes across our societies. This has led me to recognise the need to develop a strong understanding of the health care system as a whole, and the ability to frame and answer important questions about the social determinants of health, combined with the person-centred approach at the heart of primary care. I really enjoy the day-to-day challenge of combining caring for and journeying alongside patients at every age and stage of their lives, with the more strategic and rigorous systems-level approach of academia.
As an ACF, I am able to continue to combine my clinical training as a GP with my interests in global health and health inequity research and clinical education. The fellowship enables me to explore my research interests and develop my skills in different methodologies, as well as enabling me to engage flexibly in a range of opportunities which would be challenging to combine with a full-time clinical role such as postgraduate qualifications, medical leadership roles, and a range of exciting teaching opportunities.
What experience did you have before applying for an ACF?
As a medical student, I spent a year jointly leading what is now the national Students for Global Health network, and published a systematic review on the impact of international health links. I was then fortunate to gain an academic foundation training post in Newcastle and spent 4 months each year designing and conducting my own research, exploring the impact of healthcare professionals working overseas, and supporting a National NIHR trial on Parkinson’s. Through these experiences I gained an appreciation of diverse research approaches and also of the value of combining clinical, educational and research opportunities, enabling me to develop an appreciation for evidence-based medicine and a desire to combine these different strands in my future career.
After qualifying I spent time in South Africa, where my husband and I were working on system-strengthening initiatives as Improving Global Health fellows, as well as completing a Masters in Public Health. I found this role rewarding and enjoyable, and through this year, further developed my passion for global health, quality improvement, and strong local and international collaboration.
How did you find an academic supervisor?
I found this an easy process especially at St George’s! Everyone involved in supporting the fellows is extremely welcoming, and there are plenty of opportunities and different research teams across a wide range of areas. I knew that I wanted to gain both research and teaching experiences, and my interests, experience and learning needs were discussed with several potential supervisors before starting the ACF. Everyone was extremely supportive and highlighted various opportunities of relevance for me as well as introducing me to the migrant health research team that I am currently working with.
What research and other opportunities are you involved with during your ACF at St George’s?
As an ST3 academic clinical fellow in GP, the main research projects I focused my time on were with the Migrant Health Research Group led by Dr Sally Hargreaves within the Institute of Infection and Immunity. Within the team, I’ve had the opportunity to work on and publish as first author a qualitative study looking at the impact of the pandemic on migrant’s access to primary care, and the implications on COVID-19 vaccine roll-out, as well as an associated BJGP Life Podcast and BMJ letter. I’ve also been able to contribute to a range of other papers including a systematic review of the clinical outcomes and risk factors for migrants of COVID-19, a qualitative study exploring vaccine hesitancy in precarious migrant groups, and a policy report for the European Centre of Disease Prevention and Control. Being part of this team has helped me to develop my understanding of how research group’s function, as well as my skills in range of research methodologies and communicating evidence.
I’ve also had the opportunity to gain experience in a number of leadership roles including within the research team of the Junior International Committee of the RCGP, and as the representative for young doctors across Europe in quality and safety – a liaison role between two networks (VdGM and with EQUIP within WONCA, the World Organisation for Family Doctors). These led to my involvement in a number of projects including publishing a national survey on GP trainers views on global health, the design and delivery of a three day quality improvement training programme for GP registrars and First 5s across Europe, and involvement in national and international workshops at EQuiP, WONCA Europe conferences and the RCGP’s annual conference.
Alongside these exciting research and leadership roles, I have also been involved with teaching opportunities and educational projects at St George’s. A larger project involved conducting a needs assessment for quality improvement teaching, and leading the design of the content for, and delivery of a new quality improvement lecture. Other teaching opportunities at St George’s included supporting some primary care BSc teaching mornings, supervising an SSC student undertaking a quality improvement project in sustainable primary care, taking part in a careers panel, and tutoring for the Case Analysis Project (CAP), led by Professor Harris. Alongside this I have been involved in designing and assessing content within the Masters of Family medicine in Edinburgh.
What would your advice be for anyone considering applying for an ACF at St George's?
I would totally encourage it! St George’s is a really friendly and welcoming environment, with supervisors who are keen to help and develop you whatever your previous experience and learning needs. There are a wide range of opportunities to develop skills and interests, and a lot of flexibility in what you take on. Having had my first child during my time at St George’s I can also comment very positively on the approach and flexibility around caring needs and commitments- I would say my supervisors have been extremely supportive of both my personal and professional needs throughout, and I have found this a great place to work!