What is a clinical academic?

Clinical Academics (CAs) are clinically active health researchers, undertaking academic roles whilst also providing clinical expertise within health and social care settings.

The Department of Health (2012) defines a clinical academic as a healthcare professional who

• engages concurrently in clinical practice and research

• provides clinical and research leadership in the pursuit of innovation and delivery of excellent evidence-based healthcare.

The research they do

• informs and improves the effectiveness, quality and safety of patient care.

Clinical academics

• focus on building a research-led care environment for patients

• challenge existing practice as well as working within and contributing to a research rich environment leading the way towards achieving excellence in patient outcome and healthcare.

Find out more about how to become a clinical academic and read the stories of other clinical academics here.