The question, why did you go into research would be better replaced with “why does anyone go into research?”

The answer to that question is far easier. Geriatricians go into research for any reason, or a multitude of reasons, that apply to the individual at the time. In this article I have highlighted the main reasons that I went into research but have tried to keep them as general as possible. Whatever reason drives you to do research is a good enough reason to do it.

Will you enjoy it?
Most people who go into research have at least some idea that they might like it. It is important to stress that it does not have to be a burning passion or a lifelong wish. Interests develop at different times and in different ways. Nonetheless, I think it is sensible to have at least some desire to do research and to view it has having some enjoyment or interest potential. If it is something that you are certain you will dislike I would not recommend this career path.

Why not?
Having said that, I had never really seen myself as a researcher. It just happened. I got involved in a small trial and was fortunate enough to be granted weekly time to complete the work during my first two years as an SpR. In doing so I realised that I liked research. This led me to consider doing it full time for a while. People were very encouraging and helpful. I applied for a grant and got it. Then I had no choice! I never felt born to do it. An opportunity arose in a field I was developing an interest in and I took it.

A major advantage of research in geriatric medicine is that most people undertake it at registrar level but they are not compelled to do it. This gives people the chance to do research in areas that they are really interested in. Contrast this with most other medical specialities where research is often done before SpR training and is simply done to get an MD and then to get a number.

Why not? was also the attitude conveyed by all my consultants and colleagues. Every consultant and Deanery member has been extremely supportive, helpful and encouraging, throughout my period of research. No one ever discouraged me from taking this path and I’m sure this will be the finding of most potential researchers. People really get behind you.

It suited me!
Obviously there were other reasons why a period research suited me. I like clinical work and always have. However, after two years as an SpR it seemed a great time to complete a different style of training from clinical work. Five years of continuous SpR training and service commitment can often seem a long time. On a personal level it was much more convenient for my family to branch into research. If I had not undertaken research at the time I did, I would have needed to move house. It would have resulted in a period of living apart from my wife (another doctor) until she could relocate. The subsequent research period allowed us the time and forward planning to move together when I returned to clinical medicine. Why take a research job in the other end of the country if it is going to make you unhappy because you miss your kids? Equally, a new region or city might be just the opportunity you are looking for.

Money!
A dirty word! Nevertheless, I cannot doubt that one of the primary reasons people go into research is money, or more precisely funding. Probably more commonly, a primary reason people don’t do some research is a lack of funding.

I have just finished a four year research grant. That comprised a one year Masters in Epidemiology and a subsequent PhD. I spent four years doing research because my grant was for four years. If I had one year’s salary I would have spent one year doing research. Even short periods of research give people the time and environment to try to arrange further funding, not to mention a trial of academic work to see if they like it. Funding of research can be scarce and arranging it to arrive at a convenient time requires careful planning and some luck.

While it is not impossible, it is extremely hard to self fund a period of research. My experience was that I went for some money and got it. Opinions differ on the best way to get funding; apply for one highly specific grant or try to get money from anywhere. In my opinion if you have not got any money, you won’t be doing any research, therefore I am an advocate of “get it where you can”.

If you think you would enjoy research, have an academic interest (however small), suitable personal circumstances and you can get some money to fund it, why not do some research? Put simply, if research appeals and it is practical on a personal and financial level, just go for it. When it is finished, if you did not like it, so what? At least you will know that you don’t like it. It will not prevent you from doing anything, it only opens doors to other opportunities and experiences.

Jonathan Hewitt
SpR Eastern Region
Research Funding was provided by the NHS Research and Development Fund, Eastern Region