MD(Res) for Clinicians

The academic clinicians form a vital link in our translational research, bringing knowledge of clinical practice into the laboratory and taking the knowledge of laboratory research back into the clinic and using it to help cancer patients.

Clinicians on this prestigious training programme will also benefit from:

• Access to our bespoke career development programme for clinical academics and our dedicated mentoring scheme, run through the ICR/RMH Biomedical Research Centre.
• An annual off-site retreat to support clinicians to integrate as a cohort and enhance their academic and transferable skills.
• A full programme of training tailored to the needs of the individual, including statistics, research methods, bioinformatics, laboratory skills, research integrity, academic writing and flexibly-delivered online training including Research Clinician and Perspectives in Oncology.
• Priority application to the ICR/RMH flagship Pathway to Independence - Clinical Academics in Cancer Research residential programme. A competitive programme providing intensive coaching to prepare you for academic independence and applications for clinician scientist awards.
• Ability to apply for internal Bridge funding for six months protected research time after the PhD to provide time to finish writing papers and prepare for further research funding applications.

Course essentials

The Institute of Cancer Research offers two higher research degrees for clinicians – PhD and MD(Res). This table presents important information about each course, so that you can easily compare them.

Brief outline of course structure and assessment

At the end of the registration period, students will be expected to submit their thesis (~50,000 words) and to complete an oral examination.

Possible outcomes include:

• pass with no corrections,
• pass with minor corrections,
• resubmission of thesis (with or without a further oral examination),
• further oral examination required,
• fail

Students must have: obtained the MBBS degrees of the University of London or some other registrable primary qualification in Medicine, and be eligible for full registration or hold limited registration with the General Medical Council; obtained the BDS degree of the University of London and/or be eligible for registration with the General Dental Council and clinical experience relevant to the post. Also it is desirable to have: research experience relevant to the post.