A career in academic medicine has traditionally encompassed clinicians who not only provide clinical care, but who also perform original research and dedicate time to teaching and mentoring trainees. While this “triple-threat” position is still greatly valued, many academic physicians now choose to focus their efforts on either research or teaching, in addition to patient care, depending on their interests and strengths. In addition, academic physicians often take on additional administrative, service, and leadership responsibilities within their institution. While there is no longer one set career path for academic clinicians, interest in training students and residents and the drive to pursue scholarly activities and advance medical knowledge remain unifying principles.1

Despite their potential for reward, academic careers can be challenging and pursuing an academic career may be intimidating for trainees and junior faculty. Pressures exist to secure and maintain external funding, innovate, perform clinical duties, and mentor trainees.1,2 Balancing competing demands can be daunting, especially for early career physicians who have limited training or guidance. According to a report from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) in 2008, 38% of physicians left academic medicine during their first 10 years on faculty, and this was even higher for first-time assistant professors.3 Additionally, the AAMC Physician Specialty Data Report for 2021 found that only 1.3% of physicians reported their major professional activity was teaching, and the same proportion (1.3%) reported their major professional activity was research.4 Such data indicate a shortage of physicians who focus on teaching and research, and this shortfall negatively impacts the future ability to mentor the next generation of academic physicians and to develop novel therapies.

There are many benefits to working in academic medicine. For the vast majority, choosing this pathway often leads to long-term career satisfaction and fulfillment. Most academicians have significant autonomy and a flexible schedule, which can lead to an improved quality of life.1 Furthermore, working in an academic setting fosters intellectual curiosity and collaboration. However, early career faculty members report high levels of emotional exhaustion and burnout, possibly related to uncertainty in their career path and the pressure to become promoted.2 Conversely, a recent study found that physicians with academic affiliations have greater career satisfaction and are less likely to report symptoms of burnout than those in other settings2. The lower rate of burnout observed may be due to the intellectual community of academic medicine, which may provide a sense of connectivity and teamwork. The authors of this study also proposed that having dedicated time to teach may be protective against burnout.2

In the current environment, resources and guidance on how to pursue a career in academic medicine are clearly needed. To this end, the Southern Society for Clinical Investigation sponsored a workshop titled ‘Successful Careers in Academic Medicine’ during the 2023 Southern Regional Meeting held in New Orleans. Dr. Leslie Gewin (Washington University, St. Louis, MO) emphasized the benefits of an academic career and the joy that comes with this path. Dr. Jesse Roman (Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA) discussed strategies for negotiating a job in academic medicine. Dr. Don Rockey (Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC) described strategies for a successful career. Dr. Marie Krousel-Wood (Tulane University, New Orleans, LA) outlined key processes and strategies for career advancement and academic promotion. This review summarizes the presentations and discussions with the goal of providing physicians with a roadmap for developing successful careers in academic medicine.