Transitioning between clinical and academic practice from the perspectives of clinical academic trainees, academic training programme directors and academic supervisors: a mixed methods study

There is an apparent disconnect between the clinical and academic world, with clinical academic trainees stuck between the two, being pulled by each, feeling like they are not quite meeting the expectations of either. Time away from training for trainees on OOPR is often longer than for other reasons for time out of programme (typically 3-4 years if completing a doctoral degree). Given the importance of clinical academics in bridging clinical research and practice, and the concerns recently raised about the rate of attrition of clinician scientists within the NHS, it is of the utmost importance that clinical academic trainees are supported throughout all stages of their careers.