Table 4.

Disadvantages to having basic and translational scientists in clinical divisions

Disadvantages to the Clinical Unit

Disadvantages to the Ph.D., Basic or Translational Scientist

•Financial commitment to unfunded salary and start-up •If hiring Ph.D.s only on nontenure track, turnover is likely to be high •Need to hire more research administrative staff to cover added grant submissions •Need to obtain wet lab space (or dry lab for computational researchers) and pay institutional taxes on that space •Ph.D.s do not generate clinical revenue •Recruitment of top Ph.D. talent to basic science unit can be frustrating when basic science department offers are more attractive than clinical units leading to negative sentiment •Leadership may be unfamiliar with how to structure career development or promotion packages for Ph.D. faculty

•Faculty meetings may rarely focus on topics of relevance to basic research or education •Clinical chiefs, directors, and chairs may be less familiar with professional development needs for promotion and tenure for basic scientists •Lack of access to Ph.D. and M.S. students without a joint appointment to a basic science unit or degree program •Sense of isolation •Staff in clinical unit may be less familiar with research grant submission and administration •Fewer leadership opportunities and tenure track options may be limited •Start-up packages and space norms may differ from basic science department at same academic medical center