What is a Clinical Fellow?
A Clinical Fellow is a health professional at the doctoral level that has an interest in conducting research. A Clinical Fellow is hired for an agreed upon amount of time that can be renewable. They participate in laboratory research as well as clinical research based on protocols. A Clinical Fellowship provides experience in biomedical research for junior-level physicians.
Required Exams
The successful completion of the examination for the Diploma of Membership of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the United Kingdom or MRCP is required.
Required Training
You must have gone through a period of research training and have finished or about to finish a higher degree. If you are a medical or dental candidate for a fellow, you should have completed the required training to receive a National Training Number or a Certificate of Specialist Training or the equivalent of one of these.
Veterinary candidates require a degree in veterinary medicine and must have some experience in clinical practice. They also must have already finished or about to complete a higher research degree, such as a PhD.
Clinical Psychologists must have an accredited Doctorate-level qualification in Clinical Psychology.
Qualification Process
For a clinical fellow of up to four years, you must have completed or almost completed your higher clinical training. You may not have taken a permanent position yet. If you still need a year or two to finish you clinical training, you can qualify for up to 5 years support. This must be made up of three years of research and two years of clinical training.
To apply, you should go through an eligible sponsoring institution either in the UK or in Ireland. The sponsor you choose must be employed by the academic institution at which you are applying for the fellow and must have tenure that covers the time period of the fellow.
A preliminary application is permitted before the deadline. If that is accepted, then you will submit a full application.
How Long Before you Qualify?
The review period of applications is generally not on a set schedule. However, if you are selected for an interview, you are normally notified two weeks prior.