We’re delighted to share that Prof Alexander Ford, one of the most respected figures in gastroenterology for his prolific academic output and publishing record, has written an insightful new piece for Frontline Gastroenterology: “Reflecting on a career as a clinical academic in gastroenterology.”

Writing about the factors that determined his career, and the lack of advice or direction he experienced in his early career, Prof Ford shares his thoughts for aspiring academics on how to navigate the system successfully. In this reflective piece, Prof Ford distils 25 years as a clinical academic into honest, practical advice on finding mentors, choosing the right projects and supervisors, protecting research time, learning to say no, spotting “dys-opportunities”, building self-belief and sustaining a life outside work. It’s an essential, reassuring read for anyone at the start or in the messy middle of an academic journey who wants their path to be a little clearer – and a lot more sustainable.

This article has been made free to access for a month. Read here.

Prof Ford with his mentor in 2025,  mentor of 25 years, Professor Paul Moayyedi of McMaster University, Canada, at Digestive Diseases Week 2025.