Blogs

SAS Week 2023 - Dr Ellen Tullo

My decision to become a specialty doctor was a way of introducing a level of flexibility that was not possible via the standard training route. I was interested in creating more time in my job for medical education, pedagogic research and getting involved in NIHR research infrastructure via Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre.

Having specialty doctor status meant that I could be employed by an NHS trust as a geriatrician, and by a university as a lecturer, dividing my time between the two. I was able to undertake a PhD in medical education while working with NIHR Newcastle BRC to support the academic careers of other healthcare professionals, maintaining my clinical skills at the same time.

I have found that the stability of working in a consistent location within one trust,  at the Jubilee Day Hospital at North Tyneside, has built my clinical confidence in contrast to the uncertainties of rotating around a region. Reciprocally, the department benefits from having a consistent specialty doctor within our multidisciplinary team. I am able to input into the care of the elderly team using my research skills to undertake quality improvement projects and to support others to do so.

I recently took on the role of academic career development lead for Sunderland Medical School. In addition to coordinating geriatric medicine teaching for students rotating through the trust, I am building a network to encourage students to consider academic medicine and to secure funding for internships and intercalation. The balance of clinical work, teaching and academic management keeps me motivated and is highly rewarding.