Dr James Dear, senior clinical lecturer, the University of Edinburgh
What do you do? and what is a typical week for you?
My job is a mixture of research and clinical care of both patients with poisoning (clinical toxicology) and general internal medicine. A typical week is hard to define as my job is very variable, which is one of its main attractions. I balance running a number of research programs with clinical duties. For example, I supervise PhD students and post-doctoral fellows, write grant applications and papers, give talks and also do ward rounds. I also contribute to the National Poisons Information Service by providing telephone advice on call about poisoned patients across the UK.
What qualifications and experience do you have?
I have a medical degree, PhD and Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Specialty Training. I spent two years as a researcher at the National Institutes of Health in USA then became a Clinical Lecturer in Edinburgh.
What’s the most interesting aspect of your job?
The diversity of the work. All the different aspects of Clinical Pharmacology are interesting!
What are your research interests?
To understand the clinical value of using new blood biomarkers to diagnose acute organ injury, particularly that induced by drugs. Then take these findings back into the lab and understand the underlying disease process.
What one piece of advice would you give to someone seeking a career in clinical pharmacology?
Clinical pharmacology is a fantastic career choice. But it is not defined as one role. A motivated individual can build their own career and follow their interests.