A commentary on: career paths for basic scientists in medical research.

Abstract

For basic scientists, the choice of starting a career in medical research is one made through a genuine interest in understanding the human disease processes and a desire to be at the forefront of new knowledge acquisition. However, more often than not, this decision is made without a great understanding of the career path one must follow to be successful in medical research or of the potential hurdles that may lay in wait in attaining one's career goals. The present paper outlines the optimum career path a basic scientist may follow through the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia career awards and fellowship schemes. The document also highlights a number of potential problems in the career progression of basic scientists to Research Fellow, which appear to be due, in part, to the lack of appropriate funding to support these schemes.