Why Choose a Research Career? John Whyte, MD, PhD Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute & Thomas Jefferson University

A Research Career in the RMSTP 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 Involvement 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 RMSTP-type Career? Extended mentored training Gradual transition to greater levels of independence Lots of grant writing with far less than 100% success Big peaks and valleys in work load

Why Do It?

The Altruistic Reasons PM&R and rehabilitation research more generally have an inadequate evidence base Many 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 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 Reasons Get paid for thinking, talking, reading, writing Be a “hot property” for academic recruitment and retention Be a “hot property” as a collaborator with other disciplines Have lots of paid travel opportunities Have ego gratification as an expert in your field

More 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 Summary Getting 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!