SPCR Researcher Spotlight | Dr Kelly Birtwell and Dr Ben Fletcher

"Funding from SPCR has been integral to my research career. Prior to my PhD, I received SPCR seed corn funding which allowed me to write up papers –publishing research from my MSc and PGDip courses and prepare a competitive PhD funding application. 

As a result of this, I secured an SPCR-funded studentship at the University of Manchester. The studentship introduced me to the SPCR community, which has had a huge impact on my career. I was new to primary care research and being part of this community opened up a whole new world, allowing me to learn from senior clinical and non-clinical academics, as well as my direct peers and researchers at all career stages."

"From the annual trainee events and masterclasses I learned about topics outside my discipline that are important across primary care, as well as a range of research methods and patient and public involvement and engagement work (PPIE). This opened my eyes to new possibilities and helped me to think of applying different methods to my work and exploring new topics.

PhDs can be isolating at times, so being part of this community, connecting with others, and sharing the journey with my fellow SPCR-funded PhD researchers was hugely important."

"Both of the awards I received from the SPCR set me up well for my post-graduate career in academia and moving on to work for NICE.

The skills I developed through these opportunities provided me with knowledge and skills that are valued both within academia and beyond. 

The additional benefits of being
exposed to colleagues across the academic discipline of primary care in the member SPCR institutes outweighed other awards from other funders, where as a student you may be more isolated and rely solely on your academic
supervisors for networking and
training opportunities."