Embarking on a clinical academic career: opportunities for midwives

Abstract

What is a clinical academic career? Clinical academics practise both in the clinical setting and as researchers within their specialty (Carrick-Sen et al 2016). Their unique position allows them to identify relevant research questions and apply evidence in a way that meaningfully responds to contemporary health care challenges and service needs. There are many motivations for entering a clinical academic career, including a desire to improve services and advance career progression. The duality of a clinical academic role provides opportunity to develop clinical and academic skills simultaneously, rather than choosing between two careers. Clinical academics promote a culture of critical thinking, improvement and excellence. It is well documented that research-active NHS trusts provide higher-quality health care and improved clinical outcomes (Hanney et al 2013,Ozdemir et al 2015). These benefits can be attributed to early adoption of innovation, service development and increased research activity (Jones & Keenan 2021).

The Chief Midwifery Officer for England's strategic plan for research (NHS England 2023) highlighted the importance of embedding research in midwifery practice. As autonomous practitioners, midwives are well positioned to support the advancement of midwifery care through a clinical academic career. There is a need for clinical academic midwives to ensure a midwifery perspective in evidence-based practice.