Hello, I’m Agata. I’m a clinical fellow in medical education and currently doing a MD in medical education. I can’t quite believe I am an early career academic. I was from a widening participation background, born in Poland and immigrated to UK as a child. I was not an A grade student at university and I did not do an academic foundation program. I fell into general practice but now feel it is completely for me as I enjoy building long term relationships with patients.
A few weeks ago, I was asked to do a workshop at the Atrium conference, to inspire medical students to an academic career. I was super surprised to be amongst professors and highly esteemed academics invited. I, in fact, was asked to submit a photo for the programme, and I gave a selfie I took at work one day. To my slight shock it was included amongst the professional headshots of all these successful people. How on earth did I get there? I honestly keep asking myself that.
My career journey so far
I did FY training and then decided to take a year out as I was not sure what I wanted to do. I was also getting married so wanted a long honeymoon. I offered to do some research as a FY3 and I was offered a post as an honorary fellow in public health. This was not a training post. I did clinical locums alongside this. I am quite proud of that year as I got a publication. To get it though, my hand was held by a social scientist who did a large part of the work with me.
I then decided on GP training. I took some time off for personal reasons along the way but CCTed in 2015. For a few years I had kids, had various maternity leaves and worked as a GP. In August 2020 I started doing an MD in medical education. The only reason I did was because someone took a chance and believed in me. I was enthusiastic about teaching and often helped out whenever I could. Back then you could not become a clinical teaching associate as a trainee.
Does it matter, that I was not an A grade student? No, it does not!
I want to install one thing in my students, believe in yourself and value yourself. I remember as a student feeling under pressure of assessments and thinking everyone around me was so much smarter than me. I definitely had some sleepless nights worrying I may not be good enough and my flat mate, who is still my best mate, always got higher grades in exams. I learnt to cope with stress with mindfulness and it’s something I keep up with like exercise. Now in retrospect, my flat mate is a GP too and we both do as good a job treating patients. Does it matter, that I was not an A grade student? No, it does not.
Do something you love
I have always loved teaching. I volunteered a lot of time because it genuinely was my happy place. I did not strive to publish or do research. Through volunteering to teach, more things were offered. I eventually helped with OSCEs and then became an examiner. This all built up my CV and helped in my application for my current post. My supervisor took a chance on me as my background was significantly academic. She took a risk and believed in me. Everyone needs to find that person who believes in them. You also need to believe in yourself! Being a clinical fellow now, so many opportunities in teaching have opened up. I feel super lucky!
I think I have been successful as a clinical teaching fellow not because of any super big brains or loads of publications but because I genuinely love it. I think because I love it, students hopefully get that positive vibe too. My research is in psychological safety, which is making students feel valued, respected, and safe to learn. I really respect what Maya Angelou (1928-2014) said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
So to go back to the first question, how on earth have I ended up inspiring students into academic careers at a conference with my selfie next to professional headshots of successful people? Well I think it is because I am doing something I genuinely enjoy and it does not feel a slog to do it. So do what is right for you, don’t do things which you think look good to others. Believe in yourself, ask for help when you need it, take care of yourself physically and mentally, and find a role model who believes in you too.
Take care!
