Career profile: Dr Edouard Mills, Clinical Lecturer

What is your job?

I am a Clinical Lecturer, which is a clinical academic job usually aimed at doctors with a PhD (i.e., Doctor of Philosophy – a research degree). I’m a doctor who specialises in diagnosing and treating health conditions related to problems with the body’s hormones (called an endocrinologist) and I work at Imperial College London.

How did you become a Clinical Lecturer in Endocrinology?

Having finished my A Levels at 18 years old, I went to Liverpool Medical School and completed a 5-year degree in medicine and surgery. After graduating from medical school, I completed my ‘Foundation Training’ in East London (which takes 2-years) – this is the initial stage which trains junior doctors to have basic clinical skills and learn how to manage acutely unwell patients. I knew that I wanted to be a hospital doctor and in particular an endocrine doctor, so I did further training in hospital medicine (which takes another 2-years) and in 2014 I started my specialist training in Endocrinology. I’ve worked in a combination of local general hospitals and teaching hospitals (linked to a university) across North West London, which inspired me to do a PhD (2018 to 2022). I did my research at Imperial College London looking at the link between reproductive hormones and human behaviour. My PhD then allowed me to apply for a Clinical Lecturer job.

What do you do day-to-day? 

As a Clinical Lecturer, my week is split between doing research, teaching and seeing patients. My research investigates whether a reproductive hormone (called kisspeptin) can be used as a treatment for people experiencing sexual problems (called sexual dysfunction). To do this, I’m involved in designing research studies, recruiting people to take part, doing study visits in our Clinical Research Unit, analysing results and then writing-up our discoveries for publication in medical journals. One of the most exciting bits of medical research is being able to share our findings, including attending and presenting at scientific conferences across the world. Another part of my week is teaching on the endocrinology course for medical students at Imperial College London, which is a highly rewarding way of passing on the knowledge that my teachers shared with me and hopefully inspiring the next generation of endocrine doctors. Finally, I also work in a teaching hospital where I diagnose and treat patients with complex hormone problems. These patients are often referred from their GP or another hospital doctor. Seeing patients allows me to focus my research on the questions that are most relevant to patients. So, all-in-all my job involves the full spectrum of treating patients with endocrine problems, whilst training the next generation of doctors and developing tomorrow’s medical treatments.

What qualifications and skills do you need for your job? 

To be a Clinical Lecturer, you need to have graduated from medical school and started your medical training as a doctor (and have a medical specialisation – such as endocrinology). You also need to have completed a research degree, such as a PhD. Interpersonal skills are very important in clinical research, such as a strong ability to work in a team, get on well with colleagues, and have an approachable manner. As we are developing tomorrow’s medical treatments, you need to be able to think outside of the box and have a capacity for originality and innovation. Personal skills are also vital, such as self-motivation, good organisational and time management skills, as well as excellent communication skills.

Why did you want to become a Clinical Lecturer?

I’ve been extremely fortunate to complete my endocrinology training at Imperial College London, which has some of the most renowned endocrine doctors in the country and even the world. Many of my teachers and supervisors have a dual role combining their clinical career with a research career. It is such a privilege to be able to work on exciting research with excellent teams of clinicians and academics.

What do you love about your job? 

Being a Clinical Lecturer provides the best opportunity to combine research and teaching with clinical training, and most importantly makes for an exciting and enjoyable career. I enjoy the contrast of activities and how each aspect of my job has fed into the other. For instance, working in research is a stimulating, challenging and creative experience. At the same time, seeing and treating patients is grounding, rewarding and gives me a regular reminder of the needs of patients which my research aims to serve. Finally, as a Clinical Lecturer, I’m also allowed more autonomy over my time, which has allowed me to become more involved with teaching – a hugely rewarding part of my work.

What do you find difficult about your job?

Balancing the demands of doing research, teaching and seeing patients is a constant juggling act and can be tricky at times. All three aspects are equally important, and expectations are high on all fronts. However, the hard work is rewarded with a job that is stimulating, varied and always interesting.

What advice would you give someone interested in becoming a Clinical Lecturer? 

Good time management!

How might your job change in the future?

A difficult question. Medical research requires innovation and progress – both of which are not possible without funding. The UK’s decision to leave the EU and therefore the loss of EU research funding has heavily impacted medical and health researchers in the UK. Collaboration on medical research and working closely is also important – again, Brexit has the potential to limit the relationship between the UK and Europe.

Where can I find out more? 

The British Medical Association provides excellent information on medical training pathways and helps guide you through the process: https://www.bma.org.uk/advice-and-support/studying-medicine/becoming-a-doctor/medical-training-pathway