Academic emergency physicians sometimes work fewer night shifts compared to private practice. These factors may serve to decrease job related stress. Disadvantages of an academic position compared to private clinical practice include salary differences. However, clinical salaries are approaching academic remuneration in some geographic areas. If a resident feels this is true and is considering a career in academic emergency medicine, it is worthwhile to consider how he or she feels about conducting research.
Clinical research is often slow.
Data collection may be tedious, and gratification in terms of publication is usually delayed. Academic jobs that do not require research activities may be the answer for those who do not enjoy research but still enjoy other aspects of academic clinical practice. If a resident feels this is true and is considering a career in academic emergency medicine, it is worthwhile to stop and consider how he or she feels about conducting research. A requirement for a successful and happy research academician is that he or she must enjoy the process of research. Clinical research is often slow, data collection may be tedious, and gratification in terms of publication is usually delayed.