In conversation with Adil Lakha: An Academic Clinical Fellow’s journey through the PGCert in Health Research

About the author:

Adil Lakha is an Academic Clinical Fellow (ACF) at Oxford who has recently completed the Postgraduate Certificate in Health Research.

Where did you study and work previously?

I undertook my primary medical qualification (MB BChir) at the University of Cambridge (2016), intercalating in pathology (2019, immunology and virology). I moved to Oxford to undertake foundation medical training, and commenced integrated clinical academic training as an NIHR Academic Clinical Fellow in General Surgery with Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford.  

What were your experiences in your previous studies?

My previous studies focused on the pre-clinical science and theory underpinning the pathophysiology and development of human disease, driven by rigorous experimental discovery work over the last few decades which aim to explain disease presentations we see and treat in clinical practice. Over the last few years, my professional clinical career has highlighted areas of uncertainty, particular in the management of conditions, where evidence is either conflicting or lacking to direct clinical practice.

Why did you choose the PGCert in Health Research?

With a background in pre-clinical science and an interest in building a future career as a clinician-scientist, the PGCert in Health Research provides an excellent introduction to post-graduate study in this field.

Given my experiences in clinical practice and interest in pursuing a clinical academic career, the PGCert in Health Research offers the opportunity to develop a strong foundation in the principles of evidence-based healthcare, study design and research methodology. These are fundamental concepts which, through formal teaching, can provide the basis of embarking on research projects of my own, and lead to higher study such as DPhil/PhD programmes.

What has your experience of the programme been?

I’ve had a fantastic experience on the PGCert in Health Research programme. The lectures, interactive seminars, stimulating group discussions and self-directed assignments have provided a multi-modal approach to learning the basics of health research. I have particularly enjoyed the opportunity to select modules most relevant for me, like the Randomised Controlled Trials module, as part of the PGCert. This aligns with my clinical interests, and I had the opportunity to delve deep into a subject guided by an experienced facilitator in the group setting.

Something that surprised me about the course was the multi-disciplinary nature of the other participants. I had the opportunity to network with professionals from within and beyond healthcare. It was incredibly useful to hear their experiences and motivations, demonstrating the reach and impact of high quality health research and where my role as a clinician fits into this.

How have you used the experience gained on the programme in your professional life?

A key component of my learning on the programme has been the formal teaching on conducting and appraising diagnostic accuracy studies. This valuable training can be directly applied to clinical practice. With a range of clinical tests, thresholds, cut-offs and diagnostic uncertainty, the use of natural frequencies and statistics in a patient-friendly manner can support the interpretation of results that may otherwise be clinically inconclusive. Having an understanding of the accuracy of tests can help convey the meaning of the test results to patients in helping them to reach decisions based on these results.

As an Academic Clinical Fellow (ACF), the PGCert is funded by the Oxford University Clinical Academic Graduate School/NIHR, for which I am very grateful. Given the quality of the modules and the appeal of other modules under the EBHC umbrella, I’d be particularly keen to undertake either more standalone modules in the future, or convert into an MSc in Evidence-Based Health Care!

What would your advice be to students considering studying your programme?

The University of Oxford is internationally recognised as a pioneer in the development of evidence-based healthcare (EBHC). It's a fantastic place to learn contemporary approaches to EBHC, as well as understand the context of these approaches.

My advice would be to choose modules you enjoy, plan your time, ask questions of your lecturers and bring your own research problems to the sessions, as they may help re-frame difficult concepts and link theory to practice. Above all, make professional connections with fellow course candidates, and network beyond your immediate field of interest!

Click here to learn more about the Postgraduate Certificate in Health Research.