BMJ  2005;331:694-695 (24 September), doi:10.1136/bmj.331.7518.694-b

Letter

Five futures for academic medicine

Mutual respect is essential

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

EDITOR—The revitalisation of academic medicine discussed by the International Campaign to Revitalise Academic Medicine should begin at medical school.¹ Thus tomorrow's doctors—those who will be shaping medicine from 2025 and beyond—will be better equipped to ensure its continued progress.

Medical training does not sufficiently prepare students for, or expose them to, the possibility of working outside traditional hospital or general practice. Students need more options in academic medicine, and opportunities to carry out research projects should be easily available. For example, all students at the University of Southampton undertake a research project in the fourth year, although intercalating is optional. Alternative pathways should exist for medical students who subsequently decide on an academic career. Creating a clear path of career progression in academic medicine is imperative.

We must breed a new generation of clinicians and academics who respect each other's work, recognising that each plays . . . [Full text of this article]

University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ manique_w@hotmail.com

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