Internship Reflections: Georgina Randle 

Introduction

Having recent experience as the Principal Investigator for two studies on our Stockport stroke research portfolio, combined with a passion for quality improvement and innovation, I was intrigued to explore how I could translate my professional curiosity into academic research. The six-month NIHR Integrated Clinical Academic Internship appealed to me as I was keen for exposure to an academic research environment where I could network, learn from experts in the field and actively seek opportunities to influence and refine the next stage of my career.

Opportunities and Challenges

After learning that I had a place on the internship programme, I began contacting established researchers in fields that aligned with my interests; namely hyperacute stroke care and rehabilitation, post-stroke pneumonia and dysphagia. I initially felt quite daunted by the prospect of speaking with such accomplished researchers, but I was overwhelmingly surprised by the generosity and support offered to me during these preliminary conversations. These interactions included invaluable academic career advice, further networking and training opportunities and proposals of supervisory arrangements for future projects. My first lesson of the internship; “Nothing ventured, nothing gained”, and really, what did I have to lose? Through this process, I not only gained practical insights but also developed a deeper appreciation for the collaborative nature of academic research.

Under the guidance of my Academic Supervisor, Dr. Lisa Everton, I have established some of my research training needs and designed a service evaluation on stroke patients who eat and drink with acknowledged risk, which I am aiming to publish. Utilising the professional links made through my Principal Investigator role, I have also been fortunate to receive academic supervision from Dr. Claire Mitchell in writing a paper on post stroke facial palsy. Both Dr. Lisa Everton and Dr. Claire Mitchell have greatly impacted my development and I am grateful for their continued supervision beyond the duration of the internship. Although I have confidently disseminated previous quality improvement projects via conference posters and presentations, these will be my first experiences of publication. I have worked closely with my internship coach, Jana Kennedy and mentor, Dr. Jane Martindale in overcoming my feelings of imposter syndrome in this regard and the NHS R&D North West ‘Releasing Potential’ workshops have given me useful practical writing techniques. My second lesson: the value and impact of research often lies in effective dissemination, and maybe also a sprinkle of “feel the fear and do it anyway”.

Through my internship connections, I have become a member of the UK Swallow Research Group, which has linked me with subject experts and up to date research developments. I have also attended the monthly Neurorehabilitation Research Group meetings held by Professor Audrey Bowen’s team at Manchester University. In this forum, researchers present their work for feedback and funding opportunities are shared. Attending a ‘Healing, Empowered and Recovering After Dysarthria’ (HEARD) patient involvement group meeting was an enlightening experience for which I am grateful. My third lesson: the importance and value of shared knowledge and engagement, particularly Patient and Public Involvement (PPI), which can positively shape your research from inception to dissemination

Having a strengthened passion for facilitating the AHP and ACP workforce into research, I found the Council for Allied Health Professions Research (CAHPR) conference very influential. I have since been appointed a member of the Stockport and Tameside Research Committee after I raised with the R&I manager my concerns about the lack of AHP and ACP representation, which transpired to be a shared vision for improvement. I have also presented my internship experience at the Trust Research Showcase event and to the stroke therapy teams. Having just embarked on my own research career, I initially felt almost fraudulent in my endeavours to inspire others though my own positive experiences. However, through championing research locally, I am now being recognised by colleagues who have actively sought my advice regarding involvement in research delivery and pursuing clinical academic career pathways. My fourth lesson: You don’t need to be an expert to share successes and inspire others. Sometimes it’s the ‘getting started’ that can be the biggest barrier and highlighting the value of research can foster a culture of curiosity, continuous learning and evidence-based practice.

Future Aspirations

The internship has inspired me to apply for a Predoctoral Fellowship, so that in 2-3 years I can submit a competitive PhD application, to complete part-time alongside my clinical role. I am eager to bring the insights and expertise I have gained back to my Trust and continue to enhance our stroke team’s research capability. Research active departments have been found to have better staff retention, improved patient outcomes, lower mortality and improved CQC ratings. I plan to liaise with the Trust’s ACP, AHP and R&I leads over the coming months to contribute towards the strategic vision to facilitate the workforce into research.

Acknowledgements

Dr Appukuttan Suman – Clinical Supervisor (Stroke Consultant and Stroke Research Lead, Stockport NHS Foundation Trust)

Rebecca Chamoto – Line Manager (Divisional Director for Nursing, Medicine and Urgent Care, Stockport NHS Foundation Trust)

Dr Lisa Everton – Internship Academic Supervisor (Clinical Specialist SLT, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust; Honorary Assistant Professor, University of Nottingham)

Dr Claire Mitchell – Academic Supervisor (Research SLT and Senior Clinical Lecturer, University of Manchester)

R&D North West: Joanne Simpson, Dr Jane Martindale, Jana Kennedy, Gill Phasey.

Internship Cohort: Laura Gifford, Adam Finlay, Faye McLoughlin, Annette Lloyd, Helen Titu, Philippa Hacking, Tania Bakhat, Angie Barlette, Fiona Dowdall

Stockport R&I Team: Wiesia Woodyatt, Sara Bennett, Clare Tibke, Seethalekshmi Vikramadhithyan, Kai Zai

University Of Manchester Neurorehabilitation Research Group: Professor Audrey Bowen, Kate Woodward-Nutt, Havva Sumeyye Eroglu, Shahd Benafif, Lauren Lucas, Anne Bamford, HEARD PPI group