The PhD Balancing Act for Lasting Capacity in Practice
About this episode
This episode discusses the integration of PhD research with clinical practice using the PACTS programme as a case study.
In this final episode of our mini-series on research capacity strengthening, we explore how pursuing a PhD, using the PACTS programme (Patient-centred Sickle Cell Disease Management in sub-Saharan Africa), as a real-world example—can enhance, rather than compete with, clinical practice. Our guests reflect on what it means to balance research with clinical care, teaching, community outreach, and academic responsibilities, and share honest insights about the challenges and opportunities that come with embedding a PhD within a larger programme. From learning by doing to mentoring the next generation, this episode looks at how research can be a powerful tool for real-world impact in health systems. In this episode: Dr. Mmamulatelo Siame Mumba - PhD Student, SBA lead, Project coordinator, Zambia Dr. Mmamulatelo Siame Mumba is a paediatrician and implementation researcher based in Zambia. She is undertaking a PhD with the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and leads the Standards-Based Audit teams across PACTS sites while coordinating research activities on the ground. Dr. Hezekiah Isa Albarka - Lecturer at University of Abuja, Nigeria Dr. Hezekiah Isa Albarka is a senior lecturer…
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