Failure to intercalate: A scapegoat for decreasing involvement in academic medicine?

Dear Sir

We read with interest the letter by Phillips et al., entitled “The effect of intercalated degrees on student involvement in academic medicine” (Phillips et al. 2014). While we agree that the trend away from academic medicine is worrying (Pusey & Thakker 2005), we disagree with some of the authors’ suggestions and the inferences that they have drawn from their survey.

Firstly, the statement that students with intercalated degrees are, “more likely to pursue academic jobs” is based on the number of applications to an academic foundation post. There is no indication of the relative proportions of individuals (i.e. students who have intercalated vs. those who have not) who were successful in their applications. Furthermore, there is no evidence of sustained interest in research beyond the first two years post-medical school. Ideally, one would additionally survey the profiles of doctors at a more advanced stage of training to see if their completion of an intercalated degree has had any bearing on their future involvement in research.

Secondly, we question whether or not there is a direct causal link between a student intercalating and their involvement in research as a future clinician. Given the data presented, it seems equally valid to infer that participation in research may be dependent on the university’s attitude towards academic medicine per se, rather than whether or not they make an intercalated degree compulsory. Furthermore, the phrase “intercalated degree” is rather generalised, in this context, since many medical students intercalate in a degree seemingly unrelated to medicine.

Whilst intercalating has the potential to increase interest in academic medicine, it is certainly not the only influencing factor. Other avenues for promoting a career in academia should be explored, notably developing student-run societies, increasing funding for research-related activities, incorporating key research methodologies into the medical curriculum, and highlighting academic career pathways early on in medical school. It is hoped that such methods will reinvigorate interest in academic medicine amongst the upcoming generations.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no declarations of interest.