Excellence Everywhere - National University of Ireland, Galway

T h e T r i p l e L o a d o f t h e P h y s i c i a n - S c i e n t i s t :L a b , C l a s s , a n d C l i n i cPhysician-scientists may have some teaching duties, but the larger challenge for a physician who is runninga research lab is balancing lab and clinical time. An even split between the lab and clinic is increasinglyrare; it can be as much as 80% lab and 20% clinic, but this varies considerably from person toperson and by nature of the work. The following are some tips for working in both the lab and the clinic.In the lab:n If feasible, consider hiring a lab manager, or training a strong worker to assume that role—a welltrained,responsible, seasoned researcher who can help move things along when you cannot commityour time to being in the lab yourself. Such a person may be relatively expensive compared to otherkinds of workers you could hire, but what they can add to your productivity can be well worth themoney. A good lab manager can help keep the lab on track while you are on clinical duties.n Establish a system where you can review the lab members’ notebooks and data even if they are notthere (e.g., if clinical duties keep you from being in the lab until late in the evening).n Explain to your lab members that you will not be around much when you are on clinical duty. Try toschedule times when you can meet with your technicians, students, postdocs, medical residents, andother trainees to keep yourself apprised of their research and educational progress.n Focus your research program on what you are uniquely qualified to do. Avoid overextending yourselfwith work that you could delegate to a worker with less training than you yourself have.In the clinic:n If appropriate, tell patients and clinic staff how you want to be contacted during times when you arenot in the clinic, especially if messages from the clinic rarely reach you when you are involved in yourother duties.n If you have access to support staff (many junior faculty do not), use them effectively. Educate nursesor other staff to do as much of the preparation as possible before your appointments, as well as thefollow-up.n Learn to tell patients when you are running out of time to spend with them or must turn their careover to another clinical worker.n Make colleagues aware of your dual roles, and tell patients about your divided schedule when it isrelevant to them (for example, when research-related activities will call you away from the clinic forseveral days during their course of treatment).Remember, in the lab, in the clinic, and at home—the most important thing you need to learn is to beflexible with your time so that you can serve all of your priorities well.78 excellence everywhere