Why Choose a Research Career?Why Choose a Research Career?

John Whyte, MD, PhDMoss Rehabilitation Research Institute

&Thomas Jefferson University

A Research Career in the A Research Career in the RMSTP MoldRMSTP Mold

You devote a substantial amount of time (50 – 100%) to research (Why?)

You obtain external funding for much of that research (Why?)

You are the “director” of much of that research (Why?)

Other Models of Research Other Models of Research InvolvementInvolvement

Unfunded clinical research (case series, outcomes databases…)

Small studies funded by foundations, internal sources, etc.

PI of clinical site for industry sponsored research

Collaborator on studies run by other PIs

What’s Involved in an What’s Involved in an RMSTP-type Career?RMSTP-type Career?

Extended mentored trainingGradual transition to greater levels of

independenceLots of grant writing with far less than

100% successBig peaks and valleys in work load

Why Do It?Why Do It?

The Altruistic ReasonsThe Altruistic ReasonsPM&R and rehabilitation research more

generally have an inadequate evidence baseMany of the treatments and services we

provide to patients are products more of tradition than of science

The need for high-quality rehabilitation is increasing fast due to war, aging of the population, and advances in acute medicine

The Political ReasonsThe Political Reasons Medical school/university departmental “pecking

order” is substantially determined by “research productivity” (extramural funding (esp. NIH), publications, inventions)

Rehab hospital prestige is substantially driven by academic visibility (“light weight” vs. “heavy weight”)

Payment for rehabilitation services is significantly linked to the presence or absence of evidence of effectiveness

The Selfish ReasonsThe Selfish Reasons

Get paid for thinking, talking, reading, writingBe a “hot property” for academic recruitment

and retentionBe a “hot property” as a collaborator with

other disciplinesHave lots of paid travel opportunitiesHave ego gratification as an expert in your

field

More SelfishnessMore Selfishness

Be captain of your own ship– Have constant intellectual stimulation– Be in control of your own work schedule– Decide who you want to work with

You can do almost anything you want, as long as you can find the money!

A Personal SummaryA Personal SummaryGetting to the point of scientific

independence is a lengthy and challenging process

BUT if you’re intellectually curious and disciplined, the process is not just a means to an end

The flexibility, fun, intellectual stimulation, and autonomy are well worth the effort!