#OriginalResearch 📄 Balancing act of academic clinical fellows in UK emergency medicine: a qualitative study emj.bmj.com/content/early/20… Clinical academia is essential for advancing emergency care, but how do trainees actually experience early academic pathways in EM? 🔍 What this study explored Using semi-structured interviews with 20 current and former EM ACFs across England and Wales, the authors examined how fellows navigate the balance between clinical training and research. 💡 Key findings • Structural ambiguity and unclear expectations within programmes • Variable supervision and limited direction early in posts • Professional isolation and challenges integrating with clinical teams • Difficulty balancing clinical competencies with academic work • EM-specific barriers including limited mentorship and reduced exposure to key rotations • Positive experiences linked to strong supervision, research alignment, and supportive networks 📌 Why this matters The study highlights the need for: ✅ Standardised induction and clearer training pathways ✅ Consistent supervision and mentorship ✅ Transparent programme structures ✅ Better support to sustain the future EM clinical academic workforce For those involved in EM training, workforce development, or clinical academic pathways, this paper provides valuable insight into improving how we support early career researchers. What are your experiences of academic training in emergency medicine or other specialties? @richardbody @RCollEM @EMergeMedGlobal @clifford0584 @vfjn2 #EmergencyMedicine #MedicalEducation #ClinicalAcademia #HealthProfessionsEducation #Research #EMTraining #WorkforceDevelopment