Retaining clinician-scientists: nature versus nurture

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Education
• Scientific Career Development

Background:

• A recent article questioned the efficacy of traditional MD-PhD and K award programs in training ophthalmologists.
• The authors of that article suggested these programs fail to produce sufficient clinician-scientists for clinically relevant research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the success of MD-PhD and K award programs in training ophthalmologist clinician-scientists.
• To identify obstacles to clinician-scientist career progression in ophthalmology.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of career paths of ophthalmology residency graduates from Washington University.
• Review of existing data on MD-PhD and K award program outcomes.
• Exploration of challenges in residency/fellowship culture and funding.

Main Results:

• Graduates of MD-PhD and K award programs demonstrate higher success rates as clinician-scientists.
• Obstacles later in training and junior faculty stages, particularly funding issues, impede career progression.
• Existing training models are effective but require supplementation.

Conclusions:

• MD-PhD and K award programs are effective in preparing ophthalmologists for clinician-scientist roles.
• Addressing later-career funding and support is crucial for retaining clinician-scientists.
• Supplementing current training models is more effective than replacing them.