Surgeon-Scientist Career Pathway: Tips and Pearls from the Experts

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Physician-scientists (PS) are uniquely positioned to focus on pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying disease and evaluate research knowledge gaps that will impact clinical care. Fewer physicians are pursuing a PS career (Balestrini 2020) and burnout is high among early-career PS, particularly in women (Perumalswami 2019).

Among PS, surgeon-scientists are rare. Surgeons are 2.5 times less likely to apply for NIH career development awards than non-surgeons (Rangel 2004). Among the top NIH institutes funding surgeons, 1-9% of funding was awarded to surgeon-scientists (Demblowski 2022). We must combat the attrition of the surgeon-scientist pipeline.

In OHNS, the number of surgeon-scientists is one of the lowest across surgical specialties (Ramsey 2023). Many aspiring OHNS surgeon-scientists have mentors outside of the OHNS specialty and/or who are unfamiliar with the unique challenges surgeon-scientists face. This can lead to frustration and burnout for many surgeon-scientists. Challenges include:
- Balancing patient care + research while developing a practice
- Addressing productivity targets
- Developing mentorship team
- Avoiding burnout
- Garnering grant funding + protected time
- Overcoming setbacks
OHNS societies can leverage the knowledge of successful surgeon-scientists to help bridge the gap in mentorship and guidance to the next generation of surgeon-scientists.

This panel contains successful surgeon-scientists in different OHNS fields and at various career stages. Each panelist took a distinctive research path. The panel will focus on the research pathway from development of a successful early-career research program to the transition into an independent scientist.

GOALS: This diverse panel of successful surgeon-scientists will discuss the important elements needed to develop and progress in the research pathway with a particular focus on funding and common pitfalls without burning out.

TARGET AUDIENCE: Trainees and attendings who are interested in developing a surgeon-scientist career or taking an early surgeon-scientist career to the next level.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: Discuss the essential elements needed for the development of a successful early-career research program
(i.e. dedicated-time, mentorship, start-up funding, locating grant-funding, skill development, etc)

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: Discuss important components necessary to make the transition to independent grant-funded research

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: Review common pitfalls in obtaining support/funding and methods to overcome these challenges without burnout

BACKGROUND STATEMENT: Few OHNS pursue careers as surgeon-scientists, facing unique challenges in balancing surgery and research, which can lead to burnout. This session will explore common pitfalls in securing support and funding, and offer strategies to navigate these challenges effectively.

Comprehensive Otolaryngology Track Statement :