Hello from ChaMP-TRN!
Welcome to the first blog post on our website. I will introduce you to the vision of the Cheshire and Merseyside Paediatric Trainee Research Network and explain how we came into existence!
My name is Dr Frances Callaghan and I am an ST7 Neonatal Grid trainee based in the North West. I am currently on an OOPR, working as a clinical research fellow and studying for my MD with the University of Liverpool. I have always had an interest in research yet had no formal research experience until late in my paediatric training. I entered medical school straight from sixth form, I didn’t intercalate and didn’t apply for ACF training! I wanted to explore research opportunities but was unsure who to speak to or where to look. For me, finding a mentor was instrumental to starting my research journey. However, not all trainees know where to begin when looking to enter the world of research!
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) recognised some of these barriers to trainees becoming involved in research and set up the RCPCH Trainee Research Network in response to their report, Turning the Tide: five years on (2018). The report showed some positive aspects of research in child health but also outlined some worrying trends including a decrease in academic paediatricians at senior lecturer level and few paediatricians on national research committees. It also highlighted the limited research time in paediatricians job plans (at all stages of career). RCPCH is calling for a co-ordinated effort to promote child health research!
As a regional representative on the RCPCH Trainee Research Network Task and Finish Group (a mouthful I know!), I have set about creating a regional trainee research network to promote and encourage paediatric trainees of all levels to get involved in research.
In a nutshell:
ChaMP-TRN is a trainee-led group established with the aim to improve engagement in and access to research opportunities for paediatric trainees in Cheshire and Merseyside.
We are here to support paediatric trainees of all levels to develop research skills.
Our network will connect experienced researchers with enthusiastic trainees and help them to develop high quality research projects.
Projects can be multi-centre audit, QI or formal research with future plans towards collaboration with other regional and national networks
We hope to act as a gateway to create opportunities for all trainees to develop vital research skills and get involved in research and high quality QI projects. You don’t need to chose a formal academic career to be involved in research, we welcome trainees of all levels and interests! Whether you want to sharpen your critical appraisal skills, have a research idea you would like to explore or are considering taking on a higher degree, we hope to be able to link you with the right people and knowledge to take the next step!
Keep an eye on the website for regular updates including our events page and sign-up to our newsletter at the bottom of the home page. Don’t forget to follow us on facebook and twitter!
We look forward to hearing from you!
Dr Frances Callaghan and the ChaMP-TRN Team
