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 this blog, Craig Rodgers – a member of our current cohort – shares his insights about undertaking a PhD while working in a clinical capacity, and how the two complement each other.  

Craig’s PhD is titled, ‘The implementation of time-limited parenteral hydromorphone in people with treatment-resistant injecting opioid use disorder: feasibility, safety and cost’ and is being conducted under the primary supervision of Dr Krista Siefried from the National Centre for Clinical Research on Emerging Drugs (NCCRED). 

Undertaking a PhD has been something I’ve toyed with over the years

However, it wasn’t necessarily a ‘must-have’ for my work as a medical practitioner. Many medical doctors like to focus more on research but, with a background in general practice, I found it really difficult to take time off clinical work.  

Luckily, the PhD I undertook was for a largely clinical role that I wanted to work on anyway.  

I was also fortunate enough to have ample study leave as well as a supportive boss and organisation, who allowed me to use my study leave to undertake my PhD. 

The balance can be tricky

I try to keep my PhD days ‘protected’, but it isn’t always possible, so I have to let myself be flexible sometimes. If there is a particular PhD deadline, then I may have to work a little harder outside of my hours. Luckily, this isn’t too often. 

I try really hard to make sure I have a proper weekend, although at times a few things might creep up, so a couple of hours on a Sunday helps get back on track. 

There’s a good alignment between my professional work and my research

My PhD topic on supervised injectable opioid treatment (SIOT) blends incredibly well with my clinical role as an Addiction Medicine Specialist. The work actually allowed me to have a closer connection or understanding of the issues that people who use heroin experience, enabling me to have better relationships with many clients.  

It also made me realise we need to have more treatment options for people who inject opioids, as our current treatments are really not suitable in all clinical scenarios. 

How I envision using my PhD in the future  

Hopefully the results of my PhD will be able to inform the future of SIOT in Australia. Considering the first trial of injectable heroin was suggested in 1996 and we haven’t been able to provide any treatment until 2024, I am hoping that now we have completed our study, others will be able to institute their own programs, whether under research conditions or not, without too many fears of complications. 

It’s never too late to consider a PhD  

While it might sometimes be easier to do it when you are younger and perhaps have less clinical responsibility or family commitments, if the opportunity is available and it is a topic that is very relevant to you, hopefully you can make it work somehow. 

Other blogs in this series: Emily Symes and Amelia Woods

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.