Dr Rasha Al-Lamee is a FLIER participant and a Clinical Senior Lecturer at Imperial College London where her research focuses on the care of patients with coronary artery disease. She tells us what she has learned on the FLIER programme and how she is putting this into practice.
Q: What issue in health research do you want to take on and why?
A: My work has focussed on trying to ensure that we conduct the right clinical trials to answer specific clinical questions. I am particularly interested in trials of surgical procedures for subjective endpoints, such as symptom relief. There is often a reluctance to test these procedures against placebo, even though we know that the power of placebo is strong and can have an impact on the physical effects that we see. This means that new procedures and devices could be introduced into clinical practice without rigorous testing. I am keen to work to change our approach so that the correct trials are performed early to ensure that patients get the most benefit.
Q: What have you learnt on the FLIER programme and how are you putting it into practice?
A: I joined the FLIER programme at a crucial time in my career. I was transitioning from being a member of an established research group to leading my own team. The programme was instrumental in shaping my leadership style and helping me not to feel overwhelmed by my new responsibilities. I have used my new skills to try to ensure that my group is successful and that each individual member enjoys what they do.
Q: What have you done differently as a result of FLIER?
A: I have learnt to capitalise on every opportunity presented to me. It is often hard to feel ready for new roles with more responsibility, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t right for me. Through FLIER, I have discovered that an academic career path is often not a straight line. Many people do all sorts of different things, and it is hard to pre-empt where you will end up. FLIER has opened my eyes to a wealth of career possibilities that I wouldn’t have considered before joining the programme.
Q: Has there been anything surprising about the FLIER programme?
A: I have met an incredible group of people on the programme. Over the last two years, I have often looked to the FLIERs for support, and I have never been disappointed. I have made lifelong friends and, as a result, the collaborations amongst us have already started and will only get stronger in the years to come.
Q: What advice would you give to your younger self?
A: Give up on the inferiority complex – everyone has it to some degree and it only serves to hold you back. Take risks and don’t be afraid to fail – you often learn more from the failures than the successes.
Dr Rasha Al-Lamee is a participant in Round 2 of the Academy of Medical Sciences’ FLIER programme, a unique programme that will develop leaders of the future who can create collaborations across academia, industry, the NHS and government to drive innovation.
The FLIER programme is generously supported by the Dennis and Mireille Gillings Foundation and the Government Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy ‘Investment in Research Talent’ fund. You can find out more about our funding model and explore our donors here, or visit our Support Us webpage to explore ways to help our work.
