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Myron “Mike” Weisfeldt, MD, joins our Faculty Factory Podcast this week to talk about the keys to starting a research career as a physician.
This interview also includes a brief introduction to the fundraising/development factors that researchers should consider when looking to maximize their impact throughout their careers.
Dr. Weisfeldt is a Professor of Medicine and a Medical Consultant for Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures. As a cardiologist, he previously served as the William Osler Professor of Medicine and chair of the Department of Medicine at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. He is also a former president of the American Heart Association, bringing decades of senior management experience and passion to today’s discussion.
As we learn in the opening moments of this interview, it could be important for those looking to embark on this journey to decide early on whether they want to pursue an MD/PhD or start with the “MD track” and incorporate research into their careers along the way.
Dr. Weisfeldt shares the journey he took as a cardiologist who integrated research into his career and touches on some of the most important communication nuances of development and fundraising that research leaders should be aware of in this riveting, information-packed interview.
“When you are thinking about a job as a physician in which you would like to accomplish something in research, time is arguably more important than salary,” he told us. “If the research time that you are allocated is going to be given to you as part of a day or part of a week, or at the end of the day or the end of the week, forget it. What you have to have is periods of time—at least a week-long break from demanding clinical activities or teaching—to do your most important research work.”
Some of the most essential skills and strategies needed to navigate the intersection of research and clinical practice are covered throughout this podcast and we applaud Dr. Weisfeldt for his unwavering dedication towards fostering the next generation of physician researchers.