Professor Patrick Mark
What was your personal experience of the Academic Promotions Process?
In hindsight, it was all reasonably painless. Like most people I found it a bit challenging filling in a form which obliged me to list various achievements, evidence of impact and markers of esteem. Once I got over that, it wasn’t too much trouble. It was made considerably easier by the encouragement I received from my Head of Institute, Professor Rhian Touyz and my now-retired predecessor Professor Alan Jardine, who were both very supportive during the application process.
What advice would you offer to future applicants?
It seems obvious, but it’s worthwhile seeking out someone who has been through the process fairly recently. Naturally it’s not something we tend to discuss much, but it helps to get an idea of the sort of things to list under the various criteria such as Impact, Leadership, Teaching and so on. As far as I’m aware, it’s unlikely that anyone will have ‘maximal’ points across all these areas, so I would suggest considering what activities you might list to ensure that you meet the preponderance of criteria, which I guess the promotions committees then examine in forensic detail.
In terms of your preparation and timescales, what top tips can you offer?
There are two aspects to this. First, in terms of your academic criteria, one shouldn’t be too shy. We all hear about imposter syndrome, whereby people aren’t sure that they belong in the higher echelons of their chosen field. So, perhaps it’s simple a matter of asking yourself “is this the year I apply for promotion?”. Then collect the evidence and allow at least a couple of months to complete the form. It’s important to ensure you allow plenty of time to discuss with your Head of Institute and any other relevant mentors so that they have time to consider the evidence to support your application.
What advice would you offer those just embarking on their academic careers?
Enjoy it. Remain curious. Work hard. Complete things. If it isn’t fun at least some of the time, then it might be worth tweaking your general direction of travel.
How will your promotion affect the work you're doing?
I spend half my time as an honorary consultant nephrologist at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. I look after patients with kidney failure and my research aims to improve their lives. With a little more seniority and a reputation in my field, I intend to collaborate on larger clinical trials of interventions to minimise the complications of kidney failure. Promotion has already led to several offers of collaboration from international colleagues. It appears that things are going to busy, which I suppose is a good thing.
What are your development plans going forward?
It’s crucial that we continue to build on the strengths of our group undertaking renal research in Glasgow. I work with several fantastic clinical trainees in renal medicine and collaborate with many researchers in the Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences as well as more widely across the University. I would ideally like the University of Glasgow to be recognised as the leading site for clinical nephrology research in the UK, underpinned by wonderful basic science collaborators.
You are involved in championing clinical academic careers - tell us a little about that...
I lead the Academic Foundation Programme for just-qualified doctors which gives them a taster of clinical academia whilst working as busy Foundation Year doctors in the NHS. I also sit on the Clinical Academic Training Committee and have been lucky enough to supervise several charitably funded clinical research fellows. It is vital that we encourage clinicians to consider research careers so that we can translate discoveries in the lab into clinical studies which permit better understanding of disease mechanisms and ultimately lead to interventions associated with better outcomes for patients.
How will your new position as Professor assist you in advocating for patients with kidney failure and working with colleagues in the NHS to try and improve outcomes?
Kidney failure is a devastating disease which places a massive burden on patients and their families, particularly if they need dialysis which is a gruelling treatment or a kidney transplant which requires lifelong immunosuppressive medication. I’ve worked a lot with the charity Kidney Research UK to both raise awareness of kidney disease as well as the need of patients with kidney failure. I hope that my new status means that a few more people such as politicians and policy makers will listen when I highlight how vital it is that we maintain funding for research and clinical care relating to kidney disease.
