Challenges for the MD Physician-Scientist Upon Entering the Lab: From the Grand to the Practical

Physicians who seek to become laboratory-based physician-scientists, especially those without a PhD degree, face substantial challenges during the critical transition period between clinical and laboratory training. These challenges range from the complex process of adopting new logic structures and standards of proof to the more mundane but important challenges that accompany extending training in a new discipline when other career options are available. Discussion of these challenges can inform individual and institutional strategies to enhance entry and retention of physicians in the physician-scientist career path.