Thread by @DocElovitz

#20yearlessons
Coming up on 20 years, some thoughts to those MDs looking to be physician-scientist

With MD training only, I was so naïve on how to run a lab🤦🏼‍♀️. I didn't know how to make sure my clinical time was protected. I didn't know a lot.

thoughts....
1/

1⃣ GATHER information from other PIs, at the place you or at & if going some where new.

ASK: about graduate groups, basic science departments, sign up for various scientific groups (u will be surprised where your research might take u)

ASK: HOW do you run their lab. DETAILS
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2⃣ BE INVOVED, FIND STUDENTs & POSTDOC

Graduate students & postdoc are needed. Techs are amazing but not enough for you to build your lab.

When doing clinical work & starting a lab, esp at a new place, this can be hard to do!! Know resources & get help early

3/

3⃣ REALLY, REALLY PROTECT Research time

what does this mean? it means that you need to know what happens if the clinical team goes down a person (or 2). Having a K or other grant that protects you 75% of the time, may not always protect you. 4--continued

We are told it is 'helping out' and taking extra clinical time is being a team player but beyond a couple of weeks, this will be detrimental to your academic mission. It is not sustainable without something suffering and if its not clinical or research, then its you. 5/

4⃣ BE FOCUSED, but not too much 😉

Yes, u want a research niche. But, in science, we have hypotheses cuz we don't know the answer. Sometimes, our research can lead us to a different, but still intriguing & important questions, be open to that.

But don't be overambitious 😂 6/

5⃣ FIND AMAZING & COMMITTED COLLABORATORS

This can take time. Esp if you are an assumed less scientific field (see: OBGYN). Attend seminars, read about their work, go to them w/clear ideas. Follow up. Know when to find someone else. Big names do not always mean big help 7/

6⃣ TAKE MANAGEMENT CLASSES/SEMINARS

Training to become a doc does NOT train you on what it takes to run a lab. It is a whirlwind of science AND business. You have to hire, oversee & manage staff, & balance a budget.

I learned by trial & error. Dont do that

8/

7⃣ LOVE what you do

Being a physician-scientist takes commitment & passion.

Do it because you cannot not do it. 9/

♥️🧬♥️🔬♥️🧪♥️

8⃣ GO somewhere that WANTS you to be a physician-scientist and will help you succeed at being a physician-scientist

☀️read that again☀️

10/10