Objective:To determine if maintaining continuity in research topic and method from early to late career yields a greater likelihood of physician-scientists’ research-career success i.e. achieving research independence and producing impactful publications.Methods:To explore the impact of maintaining continuity in research, 108 2000-2010 neurology residency graduates from former Medical Scientist Training Programs at the highest NINDS and NIH funded institutions were identified. Through comparison of Ph.D. dissertations with post-graduate work, research continuity was deemed present if there was evidence of continuity in research topic and method. With publicly available SCOPUS, PubMed, and NIH RePORT data, the correlation that degree of continuity had with h-indices, number of grants awarded, and R01 acquisition was examined.Results:Nearly half of the graduates were classified as non-continuous (45%), less than a quarter classified as somewhat continuous (22%), and roughly a third classified as very continuous (32%). The data demonstrated that research continuity increased the ability to acquire a R01, with 83% percent of R01 and/or R21 recipients having very continuous research. Very continuous graduates also had higher median number of grants received (2 [IQR: 1-3]) and a higher median h-index (17 [IQR: 10.5-20]) compared to the somewhat continuous and non-continuous groups.Conclusions:This study highlights research continuity as an important and modifiable variable during the training period of physician-scientists and one that may improve their career success and promote greater retention within the workforce.
The Importance of Basic Science and Research Training for the Next Generation of Physicians and Physician Scientists
