Experiences of the clinical academic pathway: a qualitative study in Greater Manchester to improve the opportunities of minoritised clinical academics

Objectives The aim of this study was to explore the barriers and facilitators faced by clinical academics (CAs) in the Greater Manchester region, with particular attention to the experiences of minoritised groups. Design A qualitative study using semistructured interviews and focus groups was conducted. A reflexive thematic analysis was applied to identify key themes. Setting University of Manchester and National Health Service Trusts in the Greater Manchester region. Participants The sample of this study was composed of 43 participants, including CAs, senior stakeholders, clinicians and medical and dental students. Results Six themes were identified. CAs face several barriers and facilitators, some of which - (1) funding insecurity and (2) high workload between the clinic and academia - are common to all the CAs. Other barriers, including (3) discrimination that translates into struggles with self-worth and feeling of not belonging, (4) being or being perceived as foreign and (5) unequal distribution of care duties, particularly affect people from minoritised groups. In contrast, (6) mentorship was commonly identified as one of the most important facilitators. Conclusions Cultural and structural interventions are needed, such as introducing financial support for early career CAs and intercalating healthcare students to promote wider social and cultural change and increase the feelings of belonging and representation across the entire CA pipeline.