The Find Your Place campaign, which is a collaboration of NHS trusts in the region, has teamed-up with Newcastle University, junior doctors, NIHR Clinical Research Network North East and North Cumbria, and Health Education England to showcase the wealth of research opportunities on offer for people choosing to train in medicine in the region.

The ‘roadmap’ guides trainees through what’s on offer whether they’re at the start of their career as a medical student or further along as a specialty doctor or consultant.

Personal stories

Doctors and dentists in training are also sharing their own stories of how they have found their place in research and our region in a series of short films.

Professor Steve Jones, Head of the School of Medical Education, Newcastle University, said: “We are proud that our teaching for all medical students is informed by the latest research undertaken by colleagues who work in the Health Service across our region.

"There are many opportunities for Newcastle University students to become involved in medical research from the first year of their studies.

"Many choose to do so, and through this they contribute to greater knowledge and the improved care of patients, whilst at the same time taking the first steps on the road to becoming the medical academic leaders of the future.”

The North East and North Cumbria is home to world-class centres for research and pioneering new treatments.

At the forefront of research is Newcastle University's Faculty of Medical Sciences, which focuses on many areas of research including genetics, cancer, ageing and life sciences. It is also home to the internationally recognised Medical School.

The University also works closely with the NHS Northern Genetics Service with its international reputation in many areas of life sciences.

Postgraduate dean for Health Education England, working across the North East and North Cumbria, Professor Namita Kumar said; “We pride ourselves on being a region which supports our medical trainees to be the best they can be.

“Having opportunities to take part in research is not only an enriching and rewarding experience but a vital part of training and providing quality patient care.

"Our region is home to some of the pioneering and cutting-edge research so there’s plenty on offer for anyone choosing to train and work here.”

Leading research

The region is also leading hereditary breast and ovarian cancer research and stem cell harvesting at Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre and is home to the UK’s very first Campus for Ageing and Vitality.

The North East and North Cumbria is also a large recruiter to clinical trials and has strong collaborations including the Centre for Translational Research, which brings to together the five north east universities and is delivering research to improve health and wellbeing and tackle inequalities.

Professor Caroline Wroe, Clinical Director at NIHR Clinical Research Network North East and North Cumbria said: “We are delighted to see this roadmap develop, it’s great to be able to access and understand the range of opportunities available for trainees to engage in research across both primary and secondary care in the region."

For more information, please visit: https://www.nhsfindyourplace.co.uk/