BMA names two Dundee medics as UK role models

Medical School Professors, Marion McMurdo and Tom Fahey have been named as UK role models in academic medicine by the British Medical Association.

The report by the BMA's Health Policy and Economic Research Unit was produced in response to the debate which has taken place over the last few years about how best to respond to the recruitment and retention crisis in academic medicine.

Professor McMurdo, who is based in the University's Medical School at Ninewells Hospital, combines research, teaching and clinical care in her work and is a firm believer that all three are valuable roles to fill as a clinical academic.

"I have clinical work which I find challenging and stimulating, research activity which I find hugely interesting, and contribute to the teaching our medical students - and together I think these give me a perfect work balance," said Professor McMurdo, whose work focuses on exercise and nutrition in old age, and finding ways to improve the health of our growing older population.

"The BMA are anxious that the brightest and best young doctors continue to be attracted into academic careers in medicine, and it is certainly something I would recommend wholeheartedly."

"I think being nominated for this is a real reflection of the success of our hard work in Ageing and Health. We enjoy a fantastic relationship with colleagues and staff both in the University and in the NHS, and perhaps even more importantly we have tremendous links to our local older community."

"We couldn't do the work we do without them and we are very lucky to have that relationship. We have regular feedback sessions to share our research findings with the older people who take part, which is wonderful."

Tom Fahey, Professor of Primary Care Medicine, is head of the Tayside Centre for General Practice at Ninewells.

"It can be hard to balance the three disciplines of clinical work, academic work and research, but this report offers acknowledgement that it is a valuable aspiration to fulfil those roles," Professor Fahey said.

"Academic and research work is extremely important if we are to continue to develop new treatments and new methods of clinical care."

The report was produced by the BMA to put examples of 'role models' clearly in the public domain. Much is being done to address supported training and career development. However a recurring theme has been the need to inspire the next generation of medical academics, and that more visible role models are needed.

The full report can be found at http://www.bma.org.uk/ap.nsf/Content/Rolemodels