Five key principles of a successful clinical research career in infectious diseases

Abstract

Many talented physicians enter fellowship training in infectious diseases with the ambition to pursue an academic career that includes investigation. Although many embark on laboratory research projects during their research training years, our experience is that most are drawn toward clinical research. For these physicians with extensive bedside training, clinical research has the immediate appeal of clinical relevance. It is often perceived as a natural extension of their expertise. However, as their training ensues, physicians quickly realize the complexity involved in garnering the essentials to success: continued didactic training, securing research funding, publishing results, and most importantly, adjusting to the relatively slow pace of achievement. Additional hurdles for the clinical investigator include learning the process of protocol review by institutional review boards and developing close collaborative relationships with data collectors, data managers, data analysts, and biostatisticians. Without proper mentorship and preparation, many talented individuals become despondent, feel inadequate, and search for alternative career paths. For many young investigators, it is not clear how to develop such a career and avoid common pitfalls. Based on our combined experiences as mentees and mentors, we have outlined fi ve key principles to a successful career in infectious diseases clinical research.