Postgraduate research students at NDARC make a unique contribution to knowledge in the alcohol and other drugs (AOD) sector by conducting independent research projects under the guidance of our leading researchers. 

Students come to NDARC through a variety of pathways, and some choose to maintain clinical or other professional roles while undertaking a PhD, while many others undertake paid research work alongside their PhD.  

In the final instalment of our blog series, Amelia Woods – a member of our current cohort – shares her insights about undertaking a PhD while working in a clinical capacity.  

Amelia’s PhD title is ‘A retrospective analysis of treatment provision and needs for incarcerated patients with Alcohol Use Disorders in NSW.’ Her primary supervisor is NDARC’s Director, Professor Michael Farrell. 

What led me to undertake my PhD at NDARC 

Addiction Medicine has long been my clinical obsession, but the research bug came much later. After a couple of roles dabbling in research, I started looking and embarking on a PhD. The amazing supervisors, support team and resources available at NDARC was what sold me. 

The juggle between my professional role and research commitments is real 

It’s tough. I don’t have any groundbreaking pearls of wisdom, but my partner’s been really important for checking my own expectations of what I can accomplish. Doing the dual roles has taught me that I’m very much a “time-optimist”, and so can massively underestimate how much time and energy investment is required. So essentially trying to take on less than I think I can manage in any given period has been important.  

There’s spillovers into after hours and weekends; it’s done imperfectly, for sure. Trying to minimise that rather than normalising it for myself is important, too. 

I definitely find alignment between the two 

I find the two work quite symbiotically – more so than I anticipated – although I was told it would happen.  

My clinical roles have been great in focusing my research questions and interests, and vice versa. 

It used to (and still can) feel like quite a bumpy gear change when swapping between the two, but I think it’s getting smoother. I’m also definitely more up-to-date and literature-savvy than I otherwise would be if I hadn’t done the research.  

It’s not for everyone, and the division can make me feel like I’m a bit half-baked in both areas, but it’s had very clear rewards and I’ve no regrets. 

I’m happy to see where my PhD takes me 

I spent many years looking into the distance and working towards achieving goals that would get me to where I am today, as I felt such a strong pull toward working in the field. As the PhD finish line draws a bit closer, I’m sure I’ll start thinking a bit further afield, but for now I’m just enjoying the track I’m on. I see myself keeping up in research, but how, where, and in what specific areas is TBA! 

My advice for other working professionals 

If you think it’s something you might enjoy, I really think a PhD is worth the time and energy in terms of breadth of experience. It’s a really good marriage in a lot of ways. Clinical roles (medical, psychology, nursing and allied health etc) are incredibly rewarding, but hard work too – and quite emotionally taxing at times. 

This is the last of three blogs about undertaking a PhD at NDARC. You can read the other pieces, from Emily Symes and Craig Rodgers, on our site.  

Interested in postgraduate research opportunities at NDARC? 

NDARC has a number of postgraduate research projects currently seeking students to commence from Term 1 2027 onwards. Visit the postgraduate research projects page to view available projects and express your interest.