Published October 24, 2025 | Updated October 24, 2025
By MedCourse
Useful, relevant, and interesting content for UK Junior Doctors.
About the Author
Dr Maisarah Amran, Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Registrar, University College London Hospital
I am currently a Clinical Pharmacology Registrar at University College London Hospital, where I lead board and ward rounds for the clinical pharmacology team, am the acute medical registrar on call, and lead medical emergencies. I work alongside the pharmacology team to evaluate and present proposed medications for the Joint Formulary Committee and the Use of Medicine Committee. In addition, I am an active member of the British Pharmacological Society, serving as a writer for the National Prescribing Safety Assessment and as the trainee representative for the Royal College of Physicians’ Specialty Advisory Committee, which helps shape the curriculum and standards in clinical pharmacology training.
Clinical pharmacology allows a unique combination of possibilities for specialised expertise, career flexibility, and effective patient care. The specialty provides opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research, optimise drug therapy, and contribute to public health policy and regulations. Clinical pharmacologists collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, providing teaching and mentoring opportunities while staying at the cutting edge of medical science through ongoing intellectual challenges. The speciality also offers rewarding careers both in the NHS as well as in the pharmaceutical industries, as well as opportunities for international collaboration. Our clinical pharmacology predecessors have set the standard in research, the pharmaceutical industry, medical education, governance, and specialised fields such as pulmonary hypertension, toxicology, obstetric medicine, pharmacogenomics, stroke, artificial intelligence, and health informatics. If you want a dynamic and multifaceted career that combines patient care, research, education, and innovation, clinical pharmacology is an excellent fit for you.
Courses & Conferences to Attend
I highly recommend joining the British Pharmacological Society (BPS), which provides a variety of workshops, including Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics (PK/PD). These sessions are extremely beneficial for understanding drug interactions, mechanisms, and therapeutic effects.
Another important conference is the British and Irish Hypertension Society’s (BIHS) annual meeting, which provides the most recent insights and research findings in hypertension management and treatment. In addition, I attended the World Congress of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, which is held every four years. This global event brings together top experts and researchers to provide a comprehensive overview of the most recent advances in pharmacology. It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with international colleagues and learn about cutting-edge research and clinical practices.
The Clinical Pharmacology Training Programme additionally organises monthly meetings, which are ideal for keeping up with current trends, sharing knowledge, and discussing clinical cases with colleagues. If you’d like to attend these monthly meetings, please contact the clinical pharmacology team or me directly, and I’ll gladly facilitate your participation.
I recommend aspiring clinical pharmacologists to attend key courses and conferences to gain comprehensive knowledge and network. These include workshops and annual meetings of the British Pharmacological Society (BPS), the British and Irish Hypertension Society (BIHS), and the World Congress of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. Furthermore, attending the Clinical Pharmacology Programme’s monthly meetings, Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training, and Royal College of Physicians (RCP) courses is beneficial.
How to Maximise Your Portfolio
To optimise your portfolio for clinical pharmacology training, I recommend starting early and thoroughly reviewing the application checklist available on the federation’s website. During foundation years, start conversations with senior colleagues to gain insights and advice; they are usually eager to help or connect you with like-minded people.
Active participation in research projects will not only allow you to learn more about evidence-based practice that shapes the current way in which we practise medicine, but also help develop skills in research. Furthermore, taking on leadership responsibilities demonstrates your initiative and ability to move projects forward. Completing at least two cycles of audit or Quality Improvement Projects (QIP) not only earns you points, but it also demonstrates your dedication to improving patient care through evidence-based practices. I would also recommend getting involved in local teaching, especially those related to teaching prescribing.
Making the Most of Your Day Job
Gain experience in general internal medicine and ensure you are capable of handling basic medical emergencies. Work on improving your understanding of medication usage, side effects, and interactions, as well as yellow card systems. Familiarise yourself with clinical trial stages and the ethical considerations surrounding consent. These often get asked as part of the interview. Participate in clinical research projects to improve your knowledge of research methods and develop research skills.
Making the Most of Clinical Pharmacology ST3 Placements
While working in clinical pharmacology, it’s essential to maximise your experience by getting involved in ongoing projects within the department, which will provide hands-on experience and demonstrate your initiative.
Join the Use of Medicines meetings and the Joint Formulary Committee to understand the decision-making processes regarding medication use and formulary management, deepening your knowledge of pharmacotherapy and medication policy.
Engage in clinical research to develop your skills in study design, data analysis, and scientific writing, showcasing your commitment to advancing the field. Additionally, explore the specialty clinics and niche areas unique to your clinical pharmacology site, such as hypertension, polypharmacy, toxicology, autonomic dysfunction, or obstetrics, to broaden your expertise and discover potential areas of interest for further specialisation.
These activities will help you gain a comprehensive understanding of clinical pharmacology, enhance your skill set, and position yourself as a valuable team member.
What About Non-Clinical Pharmacology ST3 Placements?
Clinical pharmacology is a dual training specialty combined with general internal medicine. Therefore, gaining experience in any medical specialty, including acute medicine, is highly beneficial in the long run.
While working in different specialties, it’s important to develop an understanding of medication use within each specific field. Additionally, every specialty offers transferable skills that are valuable in clinical pharmacology, such as leadership, communication, practical skills, and teaching.
These experiences will not only enhance your proficiency in clinical pharmacology but also make you a well-rounded physician
