Do you have what it takes for a career in academic medicine?

Medical fellows interested in a career in academic medicine are a special breed—driven by a passion for advancing medical knowledge, improving patient care, and shaping the future of medicine. With a thirst for learning, they conduct research, engage in scholarly activities, teach, and mentor the next generation of healthcare practitioners.

Transitioning into a career in academic medicine is a decision that will set the tone for your entire professional life. As such, it’s important to carefully weigh whether a career in academic medicine is right for you.

Who’s drawn to academic medicine?

An interest in academic medicine often sprouts from early exposure to research during medical school and residency but can begin during undergrad studies, according to the authors of an article published in F1000Research.^[] 

Focus, passion, desire, clear communication skills, dedication, discipline, and resilience are all characteristics of mentees geared toward a career in this field, according to a think tank representing American physician-scientist training programs.

The F1000Research authors interviewed five trainees and practicing physician-researchers to gain their perspectives on the pursuit of academic medicine as a career. Based on their responses, the authors stressed the importance of a strong mentor in inspiring a trainee to pursue academic research.

Weighing the pros and cons

Incentives for a career in academic medicine included the ability to realize a passion for research, gaining early exposure to research, and the ability to become an educator with clinical appointment, noted the F1000Research authors.

Panel findings from the 2021 Research Challenge hosted by the AMA found that a big draw to academic medicine was the ability of physicians to shape future generations.^[]

“Growing up with the medical system, [and] through education, I had a lot of truly great teachers and mentors,” stated panelist Alëna A. Balasanova, MD, an assistant professor in the psychiatry department at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha.

"It was something that was really important to me—to give something back," Dr. Balasanova said. "That was really what academic medicine represented to me.”

A career in medicine also permits a physician to pursue a career as a factotum—someone with diverse responsibilities. It’s a career characterized by responsibilities with inpatient medicine, outpatient medicine, research, publication, and teaching. The work bridges the gap between research and clinical practice, and informs health policy and decision-making. Nothing becomes old, and a physician can wear multiple hats.

Depending on personal views, the “triple threat” of clinical work, education, and research can prove overwhelming. Other dissuading factors include concern over burnout, maintaining a work-life balance, family influences, and potential debt. Such factors can prove powerful, with senior residents reporting diminished interest in research compared with junior residents.

Another drawback, highlighted by the 2021 AMA Research Challenge, is that the pace of academic medicine is protracted. It takes time to find one’s way and secure research funding. 

Gender imbalance is common in academic medicine, the F1000Research authors acknowledge. The field tends to be dominated by men, and men make more money on average, which can be disheartening to female prospects.

Preparing for a job in academic medicine

The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) provides a useful guide for preparing for a job in academic medicine. One area stressed is networking—members of your network can include recent graduates from your program; colleagues/friends at other institutions; specialty societies; alumni societies; faculty, administrators, nurses, and technicians; and sales or device representatives.^[] 

Keeping an ear to the ground involves an active presence on social sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. Other resources to keep an eye on when looking for prime job opportunities include ResearchGate and Doximity.

When leveraging a personal Facebook page for professional purposes, it’s also important to stay professional. For instance, don’t post pictures from parties, pictures with revealing clothing, or anything that would be best to keep private from a potential employer. Also, don’t engage in too much controversial discussion, including politics. Another bit of advice is to never divulge HIPAA-protected information. Physicians can also use privacy settings to limit content divulged to certain groups only.

Instead, use Facebook to reach out to professional organizations and recruiters who can help with finding an academic position. Foster discussions about personal research, achievements, and presentations. A well-cultivated social media presence can boost a physician’s reputation and perceived expertise.

LinkedIn is one of the most professional social media sites. Physicians should make sure their LinkedIn profiles are populated with accurate and up-to-date accomplishments, experiences, and pictures. LinkedIn can be used to connect with professional groups, organizations, and colleagues. LinkedIn represents a digital web of connections and allows for a seamless expansion of an individual’s professional network.