Factors Influencing a Clinician-Scientist Career Path in Otolaryngology - PubMed (original) (raw)

. 2022 Aug;132(8):1555-1560.

doi: 10.1002/lary.29940. Epub 2021 Nov 13.

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Factors Influencing a Clinician-Scientist Career Path in Otolaryngology

Jeffrey P Harris et al. Laryngoscope. 2022 Aug.

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Abstract

Objectives/hypothesis: To better understand the obstacles facing residents and K-awardee faculty in choosing a clinician-scientist career in otolaryngology.

Study design: Anonymous survey.

Methods: An anonymous, online Qualtrics survey was sent to residents participating in T32 training grants and K-awardee junior faculty. The survey was sent to the residents with the permission of their program chair. The results of this survey were compiled and analyzed. A separate survey was sent to current K-awardees in U.S. academic programs. Both surveys were then compared to a survey published in 2008 to determine if the concerns and obstacles faced by aspiring clinician-scientists are still present.

Results: Residents felt that combining a research and clinical career presented many obstacles, including a lower salary, competition with PhDs for grant funding, and the lack of departmental support. Prolonging their training to include a fellowship was not a deterrent. Family/spousal issues which ranked as the primary concern previously were no longer given the same level of importance. The major concerns of K-awardees were the economic disparity of clinician-scientists with their clinical counterparts, the lack of mentors, and department support. Forty percent received their K-award after first try, 100% after two revisions, and one has received an R grant funding.

Conclusions: The obstacles facing clinician-scientists in otolaryngology are highlighted by this survey and require attention by our academic programs, National Institutes of Health, and specialty societies.

Level of evidence: NA Laryngoscope, 132:1555-1560, 2022.

Keywords: Career choice; clinician-scientists; obstacles; otolaryngology.

© 2021 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.

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