Collaborative research-academic appointments: the myth and the reality

The following article is written from the experience of its authors with a collaborative research-academic appointment. Many advantages and disadvantages were found. The disadvantages included the division of time, responsibilities, loyalties, and energy required by two work settings rather than one. When the challenges are met, however, the rewards are many for the institution, its professional staff, its patients, and the researcher. The joint research appointment brings to the institution, clinicians, students of the researcher, and to the researcher a broadening of the professional practice and experience. Opportunities develop that would have been impossible in other situations. The quality of the teaching may improve and the quality of patient care is enhanced. The profession is advanced. The authors conclude that the additional time and effort necessary to maintain a collaborative research appointment are more than compensated.