Research Pathway

“I want to advance the science of medicine, generate knowledge, and influence policy.”

KEY TRAITS

EARLY CAREER
MILESTONES

Most differentiate early in career
Create through publications, posters, and presentations
Participate in team science
Develop mentorship team
Take research-specific courses and workshops
Write proposals and earn first grants
Stay current with literature, collaborate, and network

JOB REQUIREMENTS
& LIFESTYLE

Typically at a university setting, though VA and some private entities have research arms
Needs protected time and resources, grants, etc.
Significantly less clinical effort given research focus
Publications and presentations build volume and reach over time

WELLNESSES,
PLUSSES, &
PITFALLS

+ Career satisfaction through scholarship/publications

– High pressure to publish
– Funding challenges
– Salary can fluctuate/be limited by grant opportunities

LONG-TERM
CAREER GROWTH 
& OPPORTUNITIES

Division
Head/Department Chair
Chief Innovation Officer
Chief Research Officer
Professor (tenure-track vs. not)
Independent Researcher (PI on R Award)
Transition to industry
Participation in guideline development
National recognition
Named awards

INTERESTED IN THE OTHER PATHWAYS?

EDUCATION LEADERSHIP

CLINICAL LEADERSHIP

CLINICAL EXPERTISE

FROM PHENOTYPES 
TO REAL LIFE

Hospital medicine is a dynamic specialty where career pathways can look different based on the institution and practice setting. We asked members to weigh in on the phenotype(s) that best aligned with their experience and reflect on important milestones that shaped their career along the way.

“I want to advance the science of medicine, generate knowledge, and influence policy.”

KEY TRAITS

EARLY CAREER MILESTONES

JOB REQUIREMENTS & LIFESTYLE

WELLNESSES, PLUSSES, & PITFALLS

LONG-TERM CAREER GROWTH & OPPORTUNITIES