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Why are so many med students interested in doing academic medicine, and what exactly does "academic medicine" entail? Does it pay more? Less work? Do you get to have a research lab/opportunity? I know of many medical positions that require that you also have a faculty position at a medical school that is associated with the hospital you're trying to work at, but those seem like minor commitments, and I don't think they fit into the "academic medicine" that so many med students talk about. So, for the med students here that are interested in it, I simply ask why? Do you have to come from a certain type of med school to get involved in it?
Why I'm in academic medicine-
Teaching residents and fellows. My #1 reason.
Lifestyle. One call a month vs one a week, better hours than most pp, etc.
Fair salary for hours worked. Very variable though between hospitals.
Job security.
Routine very high acuity cases. You can find this in some PP gigs as well, but generally the most challenging cases are referred to the major academic centers. My #2 reason.
Practicing cutting edge and innovative medicine. My #3. We're helping develop techniques that will become the new standard of care.
High quality surgeons. This is very import for an anesthesiologist. Especially when they're pushing the envelope.
Research opportunities, lectures, book chapters, etc.
Solid benefit package, very solid.
Ego. Not my thing, but it's absolutely a factor for some. Professor of X at Big Name Medical School.
Non clinical time for administrative involvement in departmental, hospital, school, or university activities.
Flexibility.
How easy is it to get a job here? Very difficult. We only interview the best of the best, people that trained at the strongest programs with great LORs. The surgeons are even more selective, because they grow slower than the anesthesia department has to. We hire at least one a year, but the surgeons can go years without a new hire.
Your research requirements will vary dramatically depending on both your goals and those of the department and your clinical track/appointment. Anywhere from essentially 100% clinical to 100% research time.