Read on Twitter
I mentioned on my first #DoctoralOTUK Tweet that I started my PhD as soon as I qualified as an #OccupationalTherapist and I think it’s important to explore that a little more... [thread] @DoctoralOTUK
My undergraduate degree ( @YSJOT) was fab. From the start we explored the evidence-base and in third year empirical research was encouraged. The fact that I’d done my own empirical study was commented on at my PhD interview. #DoctoralOTUK
I was also encouraged to blend my own experiences as a service user with those of a researcher for my undergrad study. However, I still was under the impression that I’d need to ‘go and get clinical experience’ before I could start a research career #DoctoralOTUK
Fortunately, @KatrinaBannigan encouraged me to look for a PhD studentship straightaway. It was the right decision for me. Especially as I was accepted onto a clinical academic PhD. I gained clinical experience while being able to get on with research training #DoctoralOTUK
I think it’s important to show that occupational therapy/science research careers are valid in their own right, and not solely for those who have worked for years! (Remember, in traditional science disciplines it’s very common for people to ‘only’ have worked in research) and...
...just because you like research, doesn’t mean you aren’t good at clinical work. I’ve been qualified 6 years now but only worked clinically 2 days per week for most of that time. I’d argue that I am as ‘good’ as someone with 6 years full time experience. #DoctoralOTUK
Because the research training involved in a PhD adds to your clinical skills (eg. Critical analysis, service evaluations, project management, awareness of the most current research and ability to appraise it deeply). #DoctoralOTUK
I really believe if we want the occupational therapy to have the evidence-base it deserves (and badly needs), we need more people to consider research careers early on (inc clinical academic researchers). 
(Getting off my soapbox now...) #DoctoralOTUK
(Getting off my soapbox now...) #DoctoralOTUK
