Managing Your VA Research Career Morris Weinberger, PhD HSR&D Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham VAMC HSR&D Career Development Conference February 9, 2016

My Charge Finding pilot funds Being strategic with collaborations Managing portfolio of VA and non-VA funding Staying grounded in VA while taking advantage of non-VA opportunities

My Charge Strategies for covering your salary beyond a single IIR (30-40%) – Co-investigator on grants with collaborators – Multiple grants as PI Strategies for reducing administrative burden – Multiple grants as PI MD vs. PhD Investigators Bridge funding When to accept administrative opportunities

Roadmap Discuss strategies that apply across specific questions Recognize differences: – Local environments – Clinicians versus non-clinicians – Mentors’ advice – Your career goals

Strategies to Consider Identify trusted mentors/colleagues interested in your welfare. Choose research that is at the intersection of your passion and important questions. Balance roles as PI and co-Investigator; work on teams. Understand the rules and culture of your environment. Be a good citizen: – Give back to your profession, colleagues, funding agencies, and institution, but be selective and strategic. Time is your most important resource: manage it effectively

Time Management Strategies * Probability of success is inversely correlated with the number of investigators: be prepared to take personal responsibility. * It always takes longer than you think (or time on low-priority studies limits time for high-priority studies). Learn from your mistakes and those of others. Learn to say “no.” Identify time management strategies that work best for you: – Set realistic deadlines – Know when you are at your best – Manage your – Write early, write often; block off times “Perfection is the enemy of the good.” Develop thick skin. * Goldman L: Blueprint for a research career in general internal medicine. J Gen Intern Med, 1991, 6:

Strategies to Consider Serendipity: Consider interesting opportunities as you may not end up where you had planned. Be willing to step outside your comfort zone Making decisions – Take calculated risks – No decision is a decision Your reputation is critical—Be prepared to take personal responsibility, keep promises, and make deadlines Balance professional and personal commitments You will get knocked down  to get up quickly

Strategies to Consider Start mentoring early Network – Enhanced CDA program Work across COINs Work with partners

Capitalize on Non-VA Resources CTSA – Pilot funds – Educational and training resources Diversify funding portfolio Clone grants to other funding agencies Colleagues (local and national)

Plan Ahead Your goals will change – Plan for the short- and long-term – Update your goals and strategies You will always need someone to bounce ideas off Identify investigators with whom you work well, enjoy, and are productive Understand contributions you can make to others’ research (substantive, methodological) Develop effective time management strategies Be entrepreneurial Use time on CDA productively