While it will sound entirely premature when put first in this blog, if i can teach you only one thing, I want to recommend that you:

DON’T WASTE YOUR TIME ON THINGS THAT DO NOT ALIGN WITH YOUR GOALS!

At the start of your academic career, there is a lot to set in motion. You have to figure out clinic templates, and notes (dictated, scribed, typed…), and how you want to fit in telemedicine and preference cards while still figuring out how to get home at a decent hour but be a good doctor …..

Amidst all the newness and overwhelm, you also need to determine what you want your research career to look like. 

Whether you are ready to change the world in your very own research lab or through outcomes-based research in your clinic, a directed plan for your research will help you save time and conserve your energy for only the most important tasks.  

Here is my blueprint to guide you in crafting your research legacy:

1. Determine your area of interest or your Niche

The cornerstone of this process is pinpointing where your true passion and expertise lie -  or where you are developing expertise. Reflect on the topics that ignite your curiosity, the research areas that invigorate you, or the clinical challenges that drive you to ask questions (that you want to answer). Think about the topics you enjoy contemplating even after your workday ends.

I started my career with a focus on pediatric obstructive sleep apnea and medical student education and reflux and assessment tools…. You get the idea. I was all over the place, enjoying the topics and the learning but making it impossible for anyone outside my brain to understand that I wanted to be known for my expertise in obstructive sleep apnea. Luckily I quickly realized (well actually my mentor told me quickly told me 🤣) to STOP and make sure that I included my area of focus in everything that I did. So starting 2 years into my academic career, I put the word sleep in almost everything I presented or wrote or published. 

And it worked!

2. Understand and Utilize Existing Local Research Resources

Take advantage of the resources available to you, whether it’s access to databases, research funding, or institutional support. Understanding and utilizing these resource can enhance the quality and impact of your research.

As an example of this, I found that at my first job as an attending, every child undergoing a tonsillectomy for snoring first underwent a sleep study. This was a treasure trove of information that allowed me to study pediatric snoring and OSA without the selection bias noted at many institutions. I also benefited from the access to national databases already owned by the department which allowed me to ask questions at a broader level. And, there was not need for me to have a large clinical experience or patient base in order to study these patients, present and publish. 

Tip: Keep abreast of funding opportunities and grants relevant to your field. These can be sponsored by local foundations, your institution or federally. Learn when these funding deadlines occur and be ready!  Applying for grants not only supports your research financially but also adds credibility to your work.

3. Set Clear Research Goals

Once you have your niche defined, begin by defining your research interests and long-term goals. What questions do you really want to answer? What impact do you hope to make in your field? 

Setting clear, focused objectives will help you navigate your research journey more effectively and keep you motivated.

This may also be impacted by the research questions and support that your research mentors and collaborators have in place and the local resources that you have access to.. 

I also recommend that you vet these ideas with others in your field and use their feedback to validate or improve them.

Tip: Develop a personal mission statement for your research. This can serve as a guiding principle and help you stay aligned with your broader career aspirations.

4. Develop a Strategic Research Plan

A well-thought-out research plan is the cornerstone of a successful academic career. Be sure to create an outline that includes:

• Research objectives

• Methodology

• Timeline

• Resources needed

While a well thought out plan is a great starting place, ensure that  your plan is realistic and flexible enough to adapt to new opportunities and challenges.

Tip: Break down your research plan into short-term and long-term projects. This will make your goals more manageable and allow you to track your progress over time.

Other Key Tips:

• Seek Mentorship and Collaboration
• Publish and Present Regularly
• Create a schedule for manuscript submission and conference abstracts
• Use National Meetings for learning, collaboration, and networking
• Balance Clinical and Research Duties
• Build a Strong Academic Network
• Locally, Regionally & Nationally
• Social Media can be great to connect and maintain relationships

Summary

Strategic planning is a key to building your research legacy in academic medicine. This is facilitated by active participation in national meetings as well as a  commitment to continuous learning and collaboration. 

By setting clear goals, developing a research plan, seeking mentorship, and leveraging resources, you can craft a strong academic portfolio. 

In addition, balancing clinical duties with research and building a robust network will further enhance your career growth and impact in the field.

Remember, the journey in academic medicine is a marathon, not a sprint. Putting together 2-3 presentations and papers a year turns into 20 to 30 publications over your first 10 years. 

In addition, if you stay focused, this should allow people to understand your niche and your contributions within a few short years. 

As the same time, I recommend that you remain adaptable, as you never know what sort of opportunities will present themselves or what  will change in your home and academic life.

And don’t forget that collaboration will often serve as inspiration for the next generation of physician-researchers.

P.S. - Also coming (but not yet open)  is my Academic Accelerator Academy designed to run you through the step-by-step plan to kickstart your career and put you on the path for quick promotion and success. 

Modules include: 

• Envision and build your ideal career
• Be known for your niche
• Understand Finances 101 (work and home)
• Build your national reputation
• Create your research plan
• Step by step for setting a path for promotion…. 
• And more

Registration details coming soon!

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