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TC19.02 - Presentation 02 (ID 645)
Abstract
Abstract
Even in such a relatively “academic” specialty as neurology, becoming a physician-scientist demands a conscious choice. All successful careers reflect focus and sustained commitment. However, the reasons people take this road are varied and often multiple reasons contribute for any single person, e.g., positive role models and the desire to make a difference. My experience has been that it provides an immensely rewarding career – hugely varied, constantly challenging and changing and always in the company of stimulating people.
My objectives in this talk are to review the opportunities, challenges and rewards of a career in academic neurology, with a particular focus on one concentrating on basic science.
My methods included a selective review of relevant published literature and my personal experiences as both an academic neurologist, a past panel member and as the Chair of the UK Medical Resaerch Council Neurosciences and Mental Health Board.
Basic science offers the potential to address fundamental questions and can lead to the especially rewarding thrill of new discovery. While competition with typically better trained non-clinical scientists, who have not had to undergo a long clinical training and are not forced to balance time for science with time in the clinic, can be intense, the clinical scientist can make a unique contribution. The clinical scientist is usually better able to see the big picture, recognise clinically important questions that need to be solved and design the right experiment quickly. Many factors contribute to success in becoming a clinician scientists. Having good role models, attentive mentorship and a supportive environment play large roles. One of the biggest challenges is not institutional, but learning the “unthink” what and how most medical students have been taught, to act as a scientist and view accepted paradigms with scepticism. There also are personal challenges: the time it takes, the cost in deferred earnings, the long period of uncertainty and need to delay gratification and the constant struggle for time management.
Academic neurology with a focus on basic neuroscience provides an exciting career even so and one that offers many opportunities. It also is an important one to pursue if neurology is to advance.
TC19.03 - Presentation 03 (ID 646)
Abstract
Abstract
There are many considerations as to whether or not to focus one’s neurology career on conducting primary clinical research and clinical trials in multiple sclerosis (MS). While the milestones for earlier stages of training are relatively straightforward, identifying and prioritizing goals and steps towards them as an early faculty member is often more difficult.
To evaluate the pros and cons of a career in MS clinical research, to evaluate the typical elements of the career path, and to describe strategies to succeed.
This presentation will describe key elements of success in the early and middle stages of a career in MS clinical research.
There are several strategies one can employ to meet career milestones and overcome barriers, which will be discussed in detail during the presentation.
Developing a comprehensive understanding of the elements that require attention and development during a clinical research career provides for a successful and rewarding experience.