This section of the site is run in conjunction with the Leeds University Academic Medicine Society (LUAMS). It aims to provide information about opportunities in academia for budding surgeons whilst celebrating the achievements of cutting edge members.
If you have undertaken surgically related research during your time at university and would like to appear on these pages, please get in touch by emailing us at mail@cuttingedgeleeds.co.uk.
When we think of 'the surgeon' we imagine (most probably) a middle aged male in scrubs in the operating theatre. Independent clinical practice is, for many, the core of medicine and surgery. However, without clinicians taking an interest in expanding our understanding of pathophysiology or evaluating new and potentially better procedures we cannot hope to push forward the discipline and improve the services we offer to our patients.
Many surgeons are involved in academia. This can vary widely, from the Consultant who reports the odd case series to the Professor who run his or her own laboratory and spends a significant time out of the clinic, working on multiple large scale projects. Rather than following the suggestions of others, an involvement in research gives you a voice on an International stage to help shape the future direction of your chosen specialty and truly influence patient care on a much wider level.
It is never too early or too late to get involved in the academic side of surgery and there is no reason why you cannot begin to acquire the key skills at medical school or actively contribute to the literature during your time at university.
All undergraduate UK medical schools provide an opportunity to obtain an intercalated Bachelor's Degree in science or arts in a year out of the medical course, within another faculty. In Leeds, there are currently 14 intercalated degree programmes available which can be found here.
An intercalated degree is a good way to acquire some of the key academic skills including literature searching, critical appraisal of published material and lab-based skills. It is a unique opportunity to undertake a significant research project in a highly specific area at the front-line of academic research. This work can provide a springboard to for presentation at a regional, national or international conference, or publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
An intercalated B.Sc (or B.A.) is a challenging year outside of your comfort zone in the medical school. Traditionally, a B.Sc. has been a must for anyone wishing to apply to a competitive speciality, but times are changing.
There is no reason why you cannot get yourself into print as a medical student. A B.Sc. dissertation offers the most direct route, but there is no reason why an SSC (Student Selected Component) cannot also provide potential publication fodder if you are willing to put the time in and can find a keen supervisor.
Even if your data is not enough for publication, local, regional or national posters or presentations all look good on that C.V. and are a great experience.