BSRBR-RA API Scheme: Another fabulous success story – meet Amelia!

Name & role

Amelia Gelson-Thomas

My name is Amelia Gelson-Thomas and I am an internal medicine trainee doctor.

Why did you apply for the API with BSRBR-RA?

I wanted to gain experience within research. During my training I haven’t found many accessible points of entry for trainees wanting to get more experience within research and working on studies. At the time I was working within rheumatology and came across the BSRBR-RA study and the potential of getting involved via the API scheme. This sounded like a great opportunity to see the day-to-day workings of the PI and work closely alongside him and the rest of the research team in the hopes of one day becoming a PI myself.

What have been the benefits of being part of the scheme?

It has been a great way to gain experience of research and working on studies in a structured way, ensuring that you can get as much out of the experience as possible.

Have there been any challenges?

Over the six months it was sometimes difficult to give enough time to the study and recruiting patients alongside my clinical responsibilities. The research team and the wider API team were very supportive and understanding of this and allowed an extension to ensure I could get as much out of the experience as I needed.

What piece of advice would you give future APIs?

I would definitely recommend the API scheme to anyone looking to get involved in research and wanting to learn more about how it actually works. I would advise setting a plan when you first start of everything you need to get done and the steps you need to take to do it. I’d then advise setting aside some time each week, even if just an hour, to keep on top of your list.

Amelia successfully completed her NIHR Associate PI training with the BSRBR-RA study on the 8^th July 2025 at the Medway Maritime Hospital, Gillingham, Kent. Well done Amelia!

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