Associate PI Scheme: How Paul became an Associate PI on the Flo-Ela Study
The NIHR is running its Associate Principal Investigator (PI) Scheme again this year. The scheme aims to develop doctors, nurses, and health professionals to become the PIs of the future. The scheme provides formal recognition of a trainee's engagement in NIHR Portfolio research studies through the Associate PI status, which is endorsed by the NIHR and several medical Royal Colleges.
CIs and study coordinators should consider applying for the Associated PI scheme as it could grant many benefits to your study and the scheme will benefit the wider research sector, as it develops the PIs of the future.
Paul’s experience of the Associated PI Scheme
Dr Paul Panesar became the Associate PI for the Flo-Ela study through the NIHR Associate PI scheme. Dr Panesar was incredibly well-suited to his Associate PI position, as he had an in-depth knowledge of the Flo-Ela study, previously working on the study and being a senior trainee on the perioperative research team.
Dr Panesar has been well supported throughout this scheme with the existing consultant PI and the wider study team.
The Flo-Ela study has now been re-launched and Dr Panesar has collaboratively contributed, with the perioperative team, to the excellent work on the complex area of emergency laparotomies. This includes coordinating the acute theatre teams, anaesthetists and surgeons, both consultants and junior doctors and the NELA team.
Through Dr Panesar appointment through the Associate PI Scheme, the Flo-Ela study has been able to increase recruitment and extend the reach of the study, allowing more patients to take part in this important research.
Dr Panesar and the Perioperative team fully endorse the Associate PI scheme, Dr Panear expressed that:
"I have really enjoyed my time as an associate principal investigator for FLO-ELA. The associate PI scheme has enabled me to build on my experience in clinical research. I have been able to take a leading role in restarting the FLO-ELA trial at St James's Hospital following its suspension for the Covid-19 pandemic. This has provided many challenges but I have felt well supported in setting up a new system for the way we run the trial in Leeds. I look forward to using the skills that I have gained from the associate PI scheme in the future."
Dr Caroline Thomas, NIHR Specialty lead for Anaesthesia, Perioperative medicine and Pain, Yorkshire and the Humber, asserted that:
“The wider study team is already feeling the benefits of Paul’s input.”
Interested in taking part in the Associate Principal Investigator Scheme?
Find out more information about the Associate PI scheme like upcoming events, the application process and FAQs by heading to the Associate PI scheme page.
