Conversations

Sometimes, your efforts seem fruitless and it appears that your best best is to quit. Quitting always makes sense in the short-term; but may not always be the right answer in the long run. If you (or someone you know) are on the verge of quitting your research, this episode is for you. Key Points Discussed:The Significance of Your Work: The importance of recognizing your work matters. Your efforts can have a profound impact. But only if you see it through to completion. Your Unique Contribution...

Discover the journey of Dr. Rasheeda Hall, a dynamic clinician researcher who's changing the game in geriatric care and kidney disease. Here's what you'll learn from her inspiring story: Overcoming doubt: Find out how Dr. Hall turned skepticism into motivation, rising above naysayers to become a pioneering physician scientist. Mastering the fundamentals: Learn how she navigated the transition from clinical practice to research, harnessing her strengths and building foundational skills...

Why isn't research available for free? Why spend so much time submitting grants? In this insightful episode, we dive into the complex world of research funding to determine when and how to submit research grants.Key Points Discussed:The challenge many researchers face: knowing when it's time to stop submitting grants. The importance of defining the impact you aim to make through your research and grants, setting a clear sense of purpose. The concept of compensating collaborators for their time...

In scientific research and manuscript writing, one of the most important things to do upfront is to establish authorship. Clarifying authorship order early in the research process helps to prevent confusion, miscommunication, and authorship disputes..Key Points Discussed:The collaborative nature of scientific research and the role of authorship in signifying contributions. Differentiating authorship roles, including first author, senior author, and co-authors. The significance of outlining aut...

The world of abstracts and manuscript submissions can be fraught with anxiety. Charged emotions can take away from the primary goal of science communication. On today's episode, we reflect on the importance of striking a balance between abstract submissions and the primary work of research. Key Points Discussed:Recognizing the significance of researchers' work and celebrating their dedication to research. Highlighting the advantages of abstract submissions, such as early communication of resear...

When we negotiate well, we negotiate, not money, but value. Understanding the value we create allows us to negotiate the resources, including salary, to continue to create the value for which we were hired. In this episode, we explore key insights and strategies for clinician researchers seeking to maximize their contributions and impact.Key Points Discussed:Everything is Irrelevant Until It Creates Value: The episode highlights that all your academic achievements, from medical school to fellows...

Leila Ledbetter and Sarah Cantrell are librarians from the Duke Medical Center Library and Archives who shed light on the underestimated role of librarians in research and education. Get ready to uncover the diverse and dynamic contributions of librarians in the realm of academia and beyond.Highlights from the conversation are the following: Introduction to librarians' multifaceted roles Empowering evidence-based practice Understanding research impact Partners in scholar...

You have heard about Stephen Covey's "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People." Drawing inspiration from Stephen Covey, this episode reviews 10 Habits of Highly Effective Clinician Researchers. Key Points Discussed:Taking Ownership of Your Career: The transition from structured medical training to a faculty position can be challenging because the path forward is less clear. Successful clinician researchers take ownership of their careers, seeking guidance but leading themselves with purpose....

Yesterday, we cautioned against doing a project because you feel that you have to. Today, we talk about what to consider in choosing a research project you truly love. Key Points Discussed:Starting with Your Why: Begin your research journey by understanding your true purpose. Research is not just a series of transactions but a lifelong journey. Clarify your "why" to stay focused and passionate about your work. The Power of Laser Focus: You may have a multitude of interests, but it helps to narr...

It's tempting to do the project just because a mentor is offering it to you. But is it the project you actually want? In this episode, we explore the importance of being discerning when selecting research projects throughout your academic career. Key Points Discussed:Importance of Selectivity: Don't indiscriminately accept every research project that crosses your path. Take a more discerning approach. Starting with Your Vision: First define the long-term impact you hope to make in your field. C...

Salary negotiations in academic medicine can be challenging. It is especially challenging because no one teaches you how to negotiate well. In this episode, we break down the salary negotiation process. This process highlights a value-based approach and emphasizes strategic steps to secure a salary that is commensurate with your value proposition. Key Points Discussed: The importance of negotiating salary based on the value created, rather than personal worth. Preparing for negotiation by unde...

Dr. Kuchibhatla is a Professor of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Professor in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and a Senior Fellow in the Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development. Her expertise is in statistical research methodology, analysis of repeated measurements, latent growth curve models, latent class growth models, classification and regression trees, and designing clinical trials. Key points from our conversation are the following: Engage statisticians from the outset...

Collaborating with biostatisticians from the outset can greatly enhance research quality and success. In this episode, we share the following insights for finding and working with a statistician: The importance of working with a biostatistician. The need for mutually beneficial collaborations. Why you should include a statistician in developing your research plan. Why you should know what kind of statistical support you need. How to identify where statisticians are available. The importanc...

Research collaborations help amplify our scientific voice. However, they also come with challenges and rewards. While collaborations may benefit the larger group, make sure they also advance your own career. In this episode, we discuss the following insights: Prioritize your progress Lead your own research Commitment counts Balance efforts Seek synergy And that's just the start! Tune in for an enlightening session. Are you ready to unlock the power of negotiation to boost your compensati...

Research always requires funding, even if it's your own time being compensated. As a clinician, time spent on research can take away from revenue-generating clinical work. For this reason, understanding how research is funded within academic medical centers can help you be strategic about finding the right funding opportunities. Key steps for finding the right grant opportunities are the following: Start with impact. Understand your needs Map out your path Create space for opportunities Co...

There may come a time in your research career when you realize that it's time for a change. That change is the focus of today's episode on the art of the research pivot. We will explore how to pivot effectively and achieve research success on your terms. In this episode, we'll cover the following things: The pitfalls of success: The real possibility of getting trapped in a field you don't care about. The need to do only hard things that are worthwhile: Choose to do hard tasks that truly matte...

Dr. Olson began his nursing career in Iowa. He later moved to North Carolina and obtained his PhD from UNC-Chapel Hill. He was an assistant professor at Duke until 2012 when moved to Texas where he later became the first nurse at UT Southwestern to be promoted to full Professor. His research focuses on developing an understanding of how nursing care contributes to patient outcomes following acquired brain injury. In this episode, Dr. Olson shares many insights, among which are the following: ...

Shepherding manuscripts through the publication process can be challenging. You might think your excellent science speaks for itself, but that's not always the case. The process can be both frustrating and lengthy and those rejections can add up. In this episode, we discuss seven tips for getting your manuscript to publication as follows: Develop a short list of journals. Rank the journals. Submit the manuscript Maintain momentum on other writing projects. Have a plan for rejection. Addre...

Writing a great manuscript is not always about putting words to paper. Some things that can sink a manuscript at first appear trivial. In this episode, we discuss how to see your manuscript through from first writing to submission. Specifically, we discuss the following points: Start with authorship Negotiate authorship with the senior author. Create the detailed manuscript in outline format Send the outline to all co-authors Use the revisions to create the first manuscript draft. Circulat...

The number one shift that you need to make to succeed in research is to turn from a clinical-only mindset to see yourself as the leader of a research program that will solve an important problem. Until you make this shift, you may find yourself doing one or more of the following things: 1. Seeing research as a means to an end and not an end in itself. 2. Seeing yourself as a peripheral bit player in research and not as a leader of it. 3. Seeing research as a part time activity that can be do...

In a systematic review looking at mentoring in academic medicine, less than 20% of faculty members reported that they had a mentor. In this episode, we reveal the difficulties associated with finding a mentor, including why mentoring can be like asking someone to care for a newborn baby. We also discuss five ways to help you find a research mentor. 1. Go to trusted sources to get your basic "academic nutrition." 2. Find safe spaces to make mistakes. 3. Acquire the basic habits of a clinician ...

Dr. Baumann Kreuziger is an Associate Medical Director at the Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin and Associate Professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin Division of Hematology and Oncology. She specializes in the treatment of clotting disorders and other benign hematology diseases. In this episode, Lisa talks about the following things: How she pivoted when her main research collaboration fell apart. The importance of a research portfolio that is diverse. The advantage of...

You want funding for your research program so it makes sense to chase money. However, chasing money can ultimately hurt your research program. In today's episode, we discuss 6 things to consider about chasing research money as follows: Potential for Success Funder Dependency: Balancing Success and Fulfillment: Money's Role: Starting with Purpose: Attracting Opportunities: Remember, just as crucial as securing funding is having a fulfilling research journey aligned with your values. Are yo...

Writing grants is a skill that can be developed and improved by every clinician. In this episode, we discuss 5 ways to decide which grant you should submit first. Pick one: start without overthinking. Institutional opportunities: start where you are. Foundation grants: A viable starting point. Define your needs: Tailor Your Grant Search. Work your way up: Start small and then go big. Are you looking to negotiate your first, next, or current academic job? If yes, sign up for our upcoming ma...