Can anyone comment on the life of a Pulm/CC doc (MD/PhD) in academics who does both patient care and disease-oriented (lab) research? Is this possible? Do people kill themselves? I don't have a local academic hospital to talk to anyone about it, and since one of my research interests is in lung inflammation I thought I would ask you guys. Thanks!

Check out U Pitt and U of Colorado Pulm/CC websites. You'll see plenty of examples there. Lifestyle - from a boss who is a MD and PI: 2-3 clinic months a year (working shifts in ICU, 12hrs/day x 5-6 days/week), with admin/research months making up the rest of the year (flexible 60+ hr weeks).