Anticipating, experiencing and overcoming challenges in clinical academic training

BackgroundThis paper builds on studies that have reported on the challenges of pursuing a clinical academic career. Aims This study aims to explore the perceived challenges clinical academic trainees experience, and the ways in which they overcome them. MethodsData collected from clinical academic trainees via an online survey and semi-structured interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings Trainees experience challenges relating to balancing and progressing a clinical academic career and seek to overcome these through self-efficacy and by drawing upon the support of peers, supervisors and mentors.ConclusionClinical academic trainees experience significant challenges as they strive to develop careers in academic medicine. They draw on their own resources and the support of others to help them to overcome these. Relatedly they often act to advocate, advise and support aspiring clinical academics