The Specialised Foundation Programme allows 5% of trainee doctors to combine clinical training with research methods training.
Each academic programme includes a clinical F1 year that also includes regular training on research methods.
The second year F2 rotation includes two clinical specialties and one academic placement with hands-on research. Each rotation lasts for four months.
The programme starts in August each year.
What specialties are academic placements available in?
Academic research placements are available in:
Child Health
In one of the following specialties:
endocrinology
gastroenterology
infection and immunology
neonatology
oncology
respiratory
nutrition
Clinical and Experimental Sciences
In one of the following specialties:
dermatology
gastroenterology
hepatology
neurology
respiratory
intensive treatment unit
child health
Clinical Genetics
Human Development and Health
Medical Oncology
Primary Care and Population Studies
Particularly in the topic areas of:
infection
respiratory disease
mental health
alternative medicines
liver disease
renal disease
Psychiatry
Surgery
In particular:
breast
colorectal
HPB and liver
oesophageal
head and neck
paediatric
All academic research placements are based in Southampton.
A medical education specialised foundation placement based in Salisbury is also available.
What is the value of a Specialised Foundation training post?
Successful completion of an academic placement in the F2 year can strengthen the prospects for trainees competing for Academic Clinical Fellowships in their registrar rotations.
