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Recipient of Primary Care Network Bursary Scheme grateful for conference opportunity
A recipient of a prized conference bursary made available by the NHS Research Scotland (NRS) Primary Care Network has expressed his gratitude for the opportunity
Dr Onyedika Chukwuelobe now plans to attend the Royal Conference of General Practitioners (RCGP) Annual Conference and Exhibition which aims to inform attendees on the latest clinical insights and policy developments at the International Convention Centre Wales, Newport, from 9-10 October.
Onyedika is one of nine successful bursary applicants in this fifth year of it being offered.
After receiving his award letter, the resident doctor said: “I'm pleased to share that I’ve been awarded a bursary from NHS Research Scotland to attend the RCGP Annual Conference and Exhibition.
“This is one of the most significant gatherings of GPs across the UK and internationally — an incredible opportunity to engage with the latest in clinical practice, research, and innovation in primary care.
“The diverse programme, featuring CPD-accredited sessions, evidence-based best practices, medical leadership and updates in general practice, including discussions on skilled worker visa rules and their effect on training, aligns closely with my professional development goals.
“With over 2,400 delegates expected, I look forward to connecting with like-minded professionals, learning from thought leaders, and engaging in discussions that shape the future of general practice.
“A big thank you to my training supervisor for the reference and support that helped me secure this bursary.”
It is a year since Onyedika passed the two-part Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) test, designed to assess the clinical and professional skills of doctors who qualified abroad while ensuring they have the right knowledge and skills to practise medicine in the UK.
He called it “an exhilarating step for any international medical graduate (IMG)” and is now delighted to be furthering his knowledge.
Back in the spring, the Primary Care Network invited bursary applications, allowing recipients to attend a national Primary Care conference and deepen their research knowledge while helping to potentially shape future clinical approaches.
The Network says that the aim of the Bursary Scheme is to “promote and encourage awareness, understanding and experience of research among GP trainees and medical students, while assisting their career development”.
Taking advantage of the funding, it believes, helps to increase “research capacity and capability within Primary Care”.
Dr Ellen Drost, NRS Primary Care Network Manager said: “We congratulate Onyedika and the other successful bursary winners.
“We believe this to be a valuable way to support and encourage Scotland’s next generation of trainee and student parties in their desire to learn more about primary care research that could ultimately inform clinical practice.
“It effectively opens up a world of conference opportunities and is key to developing fresh mindsets for the sharing of new knowledge in order to increase the quality of Scottish research, leading to improved care.”
She added: “The bursary is also about stimulating GPs’ interest in research participation in the future, whether by supporting the Network to identify eligible patients for research studies or supporting in-practice clinical trials.”
The Network was established in 2002 as a framework to coordinate national research activity in primary care. Funded by the Chief Scientist Office (CSO), its aim is to increase the amount of research relevant to patient care undertaken in a primary care setting.
Publication date: 19th June 2025
