Jeffrey P Harris1, Melanie L Ariessohn. 1. Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, San Diego, CA 92103-8895, USA. jpharris@ucsd.edu
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To understand the reasons for the decrease in clinician-scientists in otolaryngology. STUDY DESIGN: An anonymous survey was prepared that questioned career preparation and personal demographics as well as motive for having done research in medical school. K awardees were also asked for concerns in choosing the clinician-scientist career path and the obstacles encountered. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A survey was conducted of the 2005 National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders otolaryngologist K-awardees and otolaryngology residents from three research-oriented U.S. medical schools. RESULTS: Residents felt that family issues ranked as a primary concern, followed by the time factor necessary to devote to research that would detract from their family and personal life. The K-awardees' concern also appeared to be family issues; the lack of departmental support ranked second. The K-awardees expressed that protected research time, a mentor, and departmental support were important to success. CONCLUSION: This survey found that although young otolaryngologists are interested in research, they are deterred by financial and family constraints and a perceived paucity of departmental support.
OBJECTIVE: To understand the reasons for the decrease in clinician-scientists in otolaryngology. STUDY DESIGN: An anonymous survey was prepared that questioned career preparation and personal demographics as well as motive for having done research in medical school. K awardees were also asked for concerns in choosing the clinician-scientist career path and the obstacles encountered. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A survey was conducted of the 2005 National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders otolaryngologist K-awardees and otolaryngology residents from three research-oriented U.S. medical schools. RESULTS: Residents felt that family issues ranked as a primary concern, followed by the time factor necessary to devote to research that would detract from their family and personal life. The K-awardees' concern also appeared to be family issues; the lack of departmental support ranked second. The K-awardees expressed that protected research time, a mentor, and departmental support were important to success. CONCLUSION: This survey found that although young otolaryngologists are interested in research, they are deterred by financial and family constraints and a perceived paucity of departmental support.
Authors: Brian A Primack; Jason B Colditz; Elan Cohen; Galen E Switzer; Georgeanna F W B Robinson; Deborah L Seltzer; Doris M Rubio; Wishwa N Kapoor Journal: Clin Transl Sci Date: 2013-10-03 Impact factor: 4.689