AGE Research Taster Week for visiting junior doctor

The AGE Research Group hosted a visit from a junior doctor with an interest in geriatrics and research, for a whistle-stop tour of the world of translational clinical research in ageing, sarcopenia and multiple long-term conditions.

Olga Ihirwe, who is currently working as an F3 doctor, spent 4 days on a research taster visit with the AGE Research Group in December 2023. Her packed programme included meetings with senior professors, academic geriatricians, and early/mid-career researchers. She also spent time shadowing clinics and home visits, observing muscle biopsies, learning about our Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) activity, and attended 2 NIHR BRC events; a networking breakfast and a talk about academic opportunities for clinical trainees.

Reflecting on her week with the AGE Group, Olga said:

“I’ve always been intrigued by clinical research but I felt I had missed my opportunity to get involved in it as I didn’t do an intercalated degree or the Academic Foundation Programme. My week with the AGE Research Group has shown me that this is definitely not the case. I gained a better understanding of what a career in academia is like and what clinical research involves. I enjoyed talking to the members of the team and hearing their varied routes into the world of academia. It became clear, from these conversations, that no matter what stage you are at in your career there is always an opportunity to get involved in research. 

I particularly enjoyed sitting in the Biomedical Research Centre’s Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) Support and Learning Network. There were important discussions on health inequalities and what can be done to reduce this. At the end of the taster week I left understanding that research is in everybody’s interest. It has a great impact on clinical care, the future of healthcare provision and improving patients’ lives.”

Last modified: Fri, 15 Dec 2023 09:46:49 GMT