I am a PhD student at the Wales kidney Research Unit, based in the UHW labs. My research area of interest is podocyte insulin signaling and diabetic nephropathy. I am a trainee on the Welsh clinical academic training (WCAT) scheme, open to applicants who are interested in forging a career in academic medicine. My training is 7 years long, with 3 year period of 100% protected PhD time and the remaining time split 80:20 clinical: research (nephrology only, no GIM). After my CCT, I will be eligible to apply for research positions as a Senior Clinical Lecturer within a university, with an honorary contract with the affiliated hospital trust.

Pros:

• Supernumerary trainee, therefore able to arrange bespoke clinical training to meet the required competencies
• Fully protected research time
• University teaching opportunities including lecturing, small group tutorials, SSC supervision and undergraduate examining

Cons:

• WCAT is only salary funded (at unbanded basic rate), so funding for PhD consumables needs to be sourced externally, which is highly competitive and quite stressful!
• Uncertainty regarding the career pathway and job plan post CCT

More information on the WCAT scheme, can be found here https://www.walesdeanery.org/specialty-training/academic-medicine/wcat

Or if you would like to know more about the renal perspective on WCAT, contact Alexa on wonnacottac@cf.ac.uk