Society for Endocrinology

Clinical Academic Endocrinologist

Professor Richard Ross, MBBS MD FRCP, Sheffield University

Post-school Qualifications

Medicine, The Royal London Hospital MBBS
Endocrinology, St Bartholomew’s Hospital, London – RCP accredited
MD Thesis

Career History

First trained in medicine at The Royal London Hospital and in Endocrinology at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, London (1983-1988). Received MD Thesis in 1988, was a Senior Lecturer at St Bartholomew’s London from 1992-1994 and joined Sheffield University in 1995.

Richard’s Story

Since I have been at the Endocrine Unit in the Sheffield Teaching Hospital Trust, I have established specialised clinics in pituitary disease, late effects of cancer and transition from paediatrics to adult care. I have become involved in a range of activities, including acting as Principal Investigator on many studies of pituitary hormone replacement, representing patient groups on NICE appraisals and chairing studies of endocrine conditions, such as the Society for Endocrinology study of adult congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CaHASE).

During my career I have also been heavily involved in research in neuroendocrinology, specifically in disorders of growth hormone deficiency, excess, resistance and pituitary hormone replacement, and have published several papers and books on these subjects. My interest in commercial research has also led me to be a Knowledge Transfer Champion in Sheffield University, as well as founding director of two university spin-out companies. I have three granted patents, over seventy filed patents and I have obtained Orphan Drug Designation from the European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products (EMEA) for a new therapy for adrenal insufficiency.

Other responsibilities include currently serving on School Council, formerly serving on the Society for Endocrinology’s Council, being a member of the Society’s Clinical Committee and sitting on the editorial board of three international journals.

What Richard has found difficult

There were three major hurdles in my career. The first was identifying myself as a researcher and then passing the appropriate exams to allow me to develop an academic career. I think this remains a problem for medics because of the changing structure of career paths. The second major hurdle I faced was a decision as to whether I should commit myself to becoming an NHS specialist or to a full time research post. I found myself sitting on the fence unable to jump. I think this does still remain a problem for medics. In retrospect I think it should have been clear to me that I was a committed researcher and that I would continue to knock my head against that wall until I jumped. I think probably the earlier one jumps with a chosen clear pathway, the easier the route/fall. However, it may well be that bashing one’s head is part of the learning structure that provides you with the strength and skills to maintain your own research career. The third major challenge I faced is creating my own research programme. Ultimately you are judged on your own contribution but usually you work as a member of a team. Establishing your independence and maintaining it, particularly in an area which is not recognised as a national priority, has its challenges. These will change over time but it is definitely a challenge to identify resources and support for an endocrine research programme.

What Richard has found beneficial

A medical degree opens a colossal number of doors for different career opportunities from being a medical journalist to working as a neurosurgeon. One of the tremendous advantages of a medical career is the opportunity to continue to work as a doctor whilst developing different skills and interests. I feel that I have been very fortunate to work in an area where there have been major advances over the last 50 years, including introduction of hormone assays and recombinant protein therapy. This has given me tremendous opportunities as a clinician to develop innovative cutting edge research. It is still possible in UK universities to develop and follow your own academic interests and if successful to exploit these. I have been very fortunate to work in institutions that have allowed and helped me to develop my own skills and interests such that I am now working on new therapies in the laboratory for patients that I see in the clinic. I think this is a uniquely exciting position to be in as a clinician. My career to date has given me the opportunity to travel the world, meet fellow scientists working in similar areas and develop local, national and international collaborations. My career has certainly enhanced my enjoyment of life.