“Professor Maggie Shepherd made me aware of the NIHR open call for the Senior Clinical and Practitioner Research Award (SCPRA). I was keen to apply because I had been unsuccessful in a postdoctoral fellowship. The SCPRA was an opportunity to gain protected research time and continue developing as a clinical academic and research leader.

As a dietitian, research opportunities can sometimes feel limited, particularly alongside demanding clinical roles, so the SCPRA offered a valuable chance to build on the work I’d already started through my PhD and subsequent research projects. This would also support me developing and being more competitive in future fellowship opportunities.

My PhD raised important questions around vitamin D deficiency in chronic kidney disease, and I wanted to continue that work in a way that could ultimately improve patient care and lead towards a future clinical trial. The award also aligned with my goal of increasing the visibility and impact of allied health professional-led research."

"My research focuses on chronic kidney disease mineral and bone disorders, particularly vitamin D deficiency and calciphylaxis. During my PhD, I investigated vitamin D metabolism and supplementation in people receiving haemodialysis, looking at how improving vitamin D status might affect bone health, anaemia and quality of life. 

More recently, I’ve been leading and collaborating on research exploring calciphylaxis, a rare but devastating condition associated with kidney disease, including a UK-wide qualitative study investigating patient experiences. My longer-term aim is to help develop evidence that improves outcomes and informs future clinical guidelines and trials in kidney disease care."

"One of the biggest challenges was balancing research alongside a full-time clinical leadership role and family life. My PhD was largely self-developed and completed with limited funded research time, alongside periods of maternity leave and the additional pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic.

At times, progressing publications and research outputs was difficult because clinical responsibilities understandably had to come first. I tackled this by being persistent, building supportive collaborations and seeking mentorship from experienced researchers.

I also became proactive about networking, applying for grants and getting involved in national and international research groups, which opened further opportunities and support. I have many more rejections that successes. This is challenging but it is all part of research and also persona and professional growth."

"What surprised me most was how many opportunities research created once I started putting myself forward. I never originally imagined I would become involved in research, let alone develop into a national expert in my area.

Through research I’ve built collaborations across the UK and internationally, contributed to guideline discussions, been invited to conferences and become involved in leadership groups. I’ve also been surprised by how much research has strengthened my clinical practice and confidence overall."

"I’ve been incredibly well supported by the Royal Devon and the wider academic community linked with the University of Exeter. The Trust supported my development through internal research capacity funding, mentorship opportunities and access to a strong clinical academic network.

I’ve also had support from senior clinicians and researchers who encouraged my development and helped shape my applications and research ideas. The research infrastructure, including the Research, Innovation and Learning Centre, has provided an excellent environment to grow as a researcher while remaining clinically active."

"The SCPRA is helping me build the foundations for the next stage of my clinical academic career. Alongside increasing my publication output and research leadership experience, the work I’m undertaking is helping inform the design of a future clinical trial investigating vitamin D supplementation in chronic kidney disease.

Longer term, I hope to apply for an NIHR Advanced Clinical Academic Fellowship and continue progressing towards leading larger national and international trials. Alongside this, I want to continue supporting and mentoring other clinicians, particularly allied health professionals, who are interested in research careers."