Conversations

In this episode, the Clinician Researcher Podcast sets off Season 2 with a focus on supporting clinicians transitioning to researchers while emphasizing authenticity and individuality. Key Points Discussed: Transitioning to a New Format: The podcast shifts to a schedule of two episodes per week, airing on Mondays and Fridays. Authentic Challenges: Highlighting personal experiences and challenges within academia to shed light on the realities beyond the surface. Diverse Perspectives: Ex...

In this last episode of the year 2023, we take a reflective journey. As we recall the past year, we celebrate personal and professional growth, mentoring triumphs, and the power of carving unconventional paths in academia. Key Points Discussed: Embracing Growth: The journey from clinician to researcher is marked by significant personal evolution. Mentoring Success: In celebrating the win of helping mentees succeed, we can support the research journeys of others. Owning Expertise: Overcoming i...

Dr. Eman Metwally is a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Epidemiology at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. She earned her MD-PhD degree from Alexandria University in Egypt and has 2 master degrees -- Biomedical informatics and clinical research. Dr. Metwally's research interests lie at the intersection of cancer epidemiology and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. In this episode, Dr. Metwally shares her inspiring journey from seasoned pulmonary and critical care clinic...

You could look for the perfect mentor or become the mentor you never had. In this episode, we discuss finding and engaging in mentorship relationships. We specifically focus on opportunities to mentor others. Key Points Discussed: Looking Behind: Supporting those a few steps behind in career progression. Peer Mentoring: Leveraging relationships with peers or near-peers. Learning from Senior Mentors: The value of "mentoring up" and contributing to more experienced mentors. Establishing Equal ...

Finding the right mentor to lead your career is critical. But who is qualified to take on the leadership you need? This episode explores the complexities of mentorship and the need to step up to be the leader that you need to lead your career, Key Points Discussed: Authentic Care: Importance of a career leaders who is genuinely invested in your success. Unveiling Unseen Potential: Necessity for your career leader to recognize your potential where you might not see it yourself. Navigating Ups ...

How do you advance your scholarship when there are so many requirements tying you to patient-facing activities only. This episode explores navigating expectations of your academic medical center while prioritizing personal well-being and professional growth. Key Points Discussed: Recognizing the dichotomy of expectations in academic medical centers: balancing patient care, education, and scholarly contributions. Understanding that institutional systems often lack a focus on individual needs an...

How do you advance your scholarship when there are so many requirements tying you to patient-facing activities only. This episode explores navigating expectations of your academic medical center while prioritizing personal well-being and professional growth. Key Points Discussed: Recognizing the dichotomy of expectations in academic medical centers: balancing patient care, education, and scholarly contributions. Understanding that institutional systems often lack a focus on individual needs an...

Leila Ledbetter is research & education librarian at the Duke University Medical Center Library and the library liaison to the Duke University School of Nursing. As a research specialist, Leila works with faculty, staff and students to provide library services such as: systematic reviews of the literature; classes on evidence-based practice, resources and tools; and research consultations. In this episode, Leila educates us about the intricacies of systematic reviews. Systematic reviews may s...

Many clinicians in academia experience financial challenges. However, financial concerns are often not talked about. In this episode, we discuss the financial challenges often faced in academic medicine. Key Points Discussed: Choosing the Long Game Becoming a Thought Leader Differentiating Wants from Needs Diversifying Income Streams Embracing Relaxation to tap into creativity Call to Action: Share this episode and join future discussions to explore strategies for financial growth within a...

When you don't have an abstract to present at your annual meeting, it can feel stressful. You may also feel judged by your mentors and peers. However, the benefits of the annual meeting go beyond abstract presentations alone. In this episode, we explore the multitude of opportunities, including connections, learning, and exploring new ideas. Key Points Discussed: The broader significance of annual meetings. The value of connections with diverse stakeholders. Unique and diverse learning opport...

To save physician lives, it may be time to re-evaluate our approach to our careers. Only in doing the necessary work of deep contemplation can we avoid the inevitable crash that often accompanies the relentless pace of medicine. In this episode, Dr. Onwuemene encourages proactive measures to reshape one's career for a healthier, sustainable future. Key Points Discussed: The Urgency of Proactivity: Emphasizing the importance of reevaluating one's career path before reaching a crisis point. The ...

Many researchers, who were otherwise happy with their lives, find that they are not immune to the "Annual Meeting Blues" -- the emotional challenges clinician scientists face at conference. This episode delves into the illusion of comparison and emphasizes the importance of valuing personal achievements independent of others. Key Points Discussed: Understanding the illusion of comparison and its impact on one's mindset. Recognizing the value of personal work irrespective of others' achievement...

Dr. Mary Leung is a board-certified physician in internal medicine, medical oncology and hematology. She is also a certified life coach who is passionate about serving physicians who are stressed, overwhelmed and burned out. In this episode, Dr. Leung delve into essential strategies for clinicians seeking to strike a balance between clinical work and personal aspirations. Dr. Leung shares insights and techniques that empower clinicians to manage their workload effectively. Key Points Discu...

Systems can be so frustrating that we will stop at nothing to change them. But are we ready to take on the gargantuan task of attempting to change them? In this episode, we discuss how to manage frustration within various systems. Key Points Discussed: The realization that individual power may not facilitate substantial changes. Acknowledging the functionality of systems despite apparent dysfunctions. Identifying personal priorities and goals. Setting a reasonable time frame for intervention...

When do you decide it is time to cut your losses? In this episode Toyosi Onwuemene discusses how to recognize when it's time to let go. Key Points Discussed: Recognizing Lost Joy: Understanding the moment when joy diminishes in a pursuit or commitment, signaling the need for reevaluation. When It No Longer Serves You: Acknowledging when a project or commitment has outlived its purpose. External Enthusiasm: Evaluating situations where enthusiasm comes primarily from external sources rather tha...

Burnout is ever present among us. However, what can we do to avoid it? In this episode, Toyosi Onwuemene presents unconventional yet effective methods to combat burnout, emphasizing a shift in perspective and self-directed empowerment. Key Points Discussed: Recognizing the high tolerance for stress and dysfunction within medical environments. Understanding personal limitations and relinquishing the futile quest to control external factors. Focusing on self-improvement and cultivating one's ci...

Why do people wait until there is something unpleasant to do before asking you to be a team player? In this episode, we explore the challenges faced by clinicians navigating the complexities of academic expectations. A thought-provoking perspective on the importance of intentional decision-making, this episode encourages listeners to reevaluate their roles within their academic teams. Key Points Discussed: Defining the objectives within academia: scholarship, patient care, education, and admin...

Dr. Theresa Coles is a health outcomes methodologist with a focus on measuring and evaluating patient-reported outcomes. In this episode, Dr. Coles explores the nuances of patient reported outcome measures; the challenges in choosing and validating measurement tools; and the significance of collaboration between clinicians and measurement experts. Key Points Discussed: Understanding the nuances of patient reported outcome measures. Validity evidence and its importance in using measurement...

Attending your society's annual meetings is important for your professional development. But how do you navigate it? In this episode, we share strategies to optimize your annual meeting experience. Key Points Discussed: Plan to Attend: Whether or not you are presenting a meeting abstract, plan to attend your annual meeting. Have a Plan: Develop a meeting plan that aligns with your personal objectives. Create a Schedule: Create a flexible schedule so that you can navigate conflicting events an...

Our journey through our medical careers is long. We don't want to wait until the end to reap the rewards. We want to enjoy the journey today. For this reason, we should pursue our outside interests; not defer them. This episode emphasizes the importance of creating space for pursuits beyond professional endeavors. Key Points Discussed: Long-Term Perspective: A career in medicine or research is a marathon, not a sprint. Pace yourself. Identity Beyond Career: Beyond your professional role in med...

For clinicians, the end of medical training marks the beginning of professional and career development. And for clinicians who want to lead research programs, this episode explores some helpful resources to aid the journey. Key Points Discussed: Subspecialty-Specific Workshops: Specialized workshops in niche subspecialty areas can be a helpful starting point. NIH Grants and Awards: NIH-specific awards like the Diversity Supplement and NHK 12 award are helpful in providing protected time. Broa...

To transform your work environment, start with transforming yourself. In today's episode, we discuss practical steps to catalyze these transformations. Key Points Discussed: Recognizing Personal Agency: Acknowledge the decisions and hard work that has led to your current slate of professional achievements. You have already achieved the impossible and you can and will do it again. Embracing Inner Power: Appreciate the immense personal power you have, thus far, harnessed to overcome obstacles. R...

Are you seriously reconsidering your research career? In this episode, we discuss the unspoken yet significant consideration of reevaluating your research career. Key Points Discussed: Acknowledging Feelings of Uncertainty: It is OK to question the suitability of a research career. Your ability to voice these thoughts is an important breakthrough. Focus on Impact: Shift your perspective from what you do to the impact you want to make. Re-evaluate your career in terms of the influence you wish ...

Your mentors should come from within and without your organization. In this episode, we discuss the limitations of relying solely on institutional mentors. Discover the invaluable benefits of external mentorship. Key Points Discussed: Focus on Advancement: External mentors are solely invested in advancing your goals, devoid of institutional concerns. Stimulating Creativity: Novel ideas from external mentors may initially cause anxiety; but ultimately foster creativity. Challenging Assumptions...