Abstract
Note: the following article is addressed at all those who are interested in, yet have made no decision whether to undertake, a PhD in academic gastroenterology. However, it is principally directed towards medical students and graduates, as graduates from all other faculties remaining in connection with biology, medicine, pharmacy and pharmacology or public health will surely have no doubts that the PhD in academic gastroenterology is the best choice in their career path. This is said in all seriousness – there is probably no other field of research than academic gastroenterology that lets the focus on ideas and the employment of methods from so many areas in science amalgamate successfully.
If you have any doubts whether PhD in academic or basic gastroenterology is a good decision – this is the moment when you should finally say ‘Yes, it is’. If you are still not convinced – here are a few tips and recommendations that may help you come to this conclusion.
My educational background may not seem to convey the main idea of this article, expressed above – being a graduate from the Faculty of Pharmacy, defending my PhD thesis in the field of medical biology and focusing through the first years of my research career on neurobiology and medicinal chemistry would not encourage graduates, particularly medical doctors, to enter the world of academic gastroenterology. However, the most fruitful and exciting part of my life path has been dedicated to gastroenterology (inflammatory and functional gastrointestinal disorders), while at the same time, as head of a research laboratory suitated at the Faculty of Medicine, teacher of biochemistry for medical students, and supervisor of medical doctor and biologist-turned-PhD students in gastroenterology, I might say I have a good picture of what this career is like and what benefits it may bring. Moreover, as a big fan of research and development – I always strongly encourage young graduates to taste the life of the researcher, if only they are inclined to do it.
Let’s start from the beginning – from a medical doctor, it will surely require some extra effort and time to complete their PhD, in particular when the foundation programme (or any other form of medical or specialised training) is effective in parallel. Honestly, I have no recommendation here as to whether both the PhD and the training should be performed at the same time, and the decision will surely depend on the financial and family status of the young doctor, as well as his or her career opportunities at present against a 1–2-year perspective. In some countries, such as the Netherlands, it is even expected to obtain a PhD before the foundation programme. In Poland, where most of my experience comes from, it is the opposite – first the foundation programme then the PhD and then the specialty training. This does not exhaust the young doctor, as practically all their foundation programme time is spent at the hospital, with the patient.
Secondly, and probably most importantly – choose your mentor wisely. Ask your young peers, fellow doctors, your academic teachers, gather as much information as possible to find the best place to conduct your PhD-related research. My students tend to ask whether we should seek for young or more senior supervisors. Actually, this should be your call. The young ones, who are still climbing the career ladder may be more excited about science, with good drive to look for novel topics, unusual solutions and they are often full of positive energy. On the other hand, sometimes they struggle with lower research budgets, smaller teams in which more technical work needs to be done, but also less equipment, laboratory space and methods. However, the passion for work and science may be equally high or low in junior and senior mentors. Therefore, perhaps the research topic should be taken into consideration when deciding on the place to complete one’s PhD.
Now, we have come to the issue of the field of study. If you are a medical doctor, it should it be as close to your patients in the clinics (provided that you complete both the PhD and foundation programme at the same time), or should it be as distant as possible? Again, you have to choose for yourself. However, if I may suggest, PhD studies is probably not the best time to explore distant planets and territories. For most of the young graduates it is the beginning of their adventure in research, and there will be a lot to learn and a lot of work to do. If you already have a feeling that microbiota in irritable bowel syndrome is much closer to your heart than peptic ulcers, go for the bowel. Your PhD curriculum will always leave you some margin for exploring other areas, but the time for even more serious endeavours is when you start a postdoc. PhD is also a good occasion for novel findings, but should be primarily regarded as the time to show your ability to work in the laboratory, fulfill tasks that are given to you, cooperate with the research team, as well as independently and efficiently organise your time and given resources.
Is there anyone who should be discouraged from a PhD? In my opinion, your own qualities are the only limits. PhD and research in any field requires patience, but also consequence and perseverance. Like anywhere else, you are expected to value your work, follow the rules set by the supervisor, but also respect your team mates, their wisdom as well as their work habits. Finally, being optimistic and patient will also help. Does one need to be born under a lucky star to succeed? Well, no-one ever knows!
Finally, let’s list some benefits of a PhD in academic gastroenterology, focusing in particular on young medical doctors. There is a long list that obviously includes the scientific title, which may open many more doors in your future career than not having that title. Also, during your PhD studies you will be given problems to solve that are not typical for the hospital environment, but coping with them on a daily basis will make you an even better clinician. Moreover (and what is probably most important for us, basic scientists), as a medical doctor with good laboratory practice you will become the hottest clinician in the neighbourhood. And I am not talking about your looks (no, the PhD in academic gastroenterology does not work as plastic surgery), but rather the fact that you will know how to handle biological material and you will have expertise in a plethora of laboratory methods, which will make you a very valuable addition to any research group, either as a team member or collaborator. Last but not least, working on your PhD in academic gastroenterology will give you a chance for fame and fortune. More seriously – the recognition will be guaranteed once the results of your studies are published in renowned journals and your curriculum predestines you to be honoured with prizes, like the UEG Rising Star Award.
https://www.ueg.eu/awards-grants/ueg-week-awards/rising-star-awards/