The process of considering one's first professional position most commonly occurs during residency. Three options present themselves including entering practice, entering fellowship with ultimately a clinically based career, or entering fellowship with ultimately a laboratory based career. These three options offer clear contrasts in professional activity. For the future practitioner, caring for patients is paramount while teaching and research clearly have less appeal.
Financial support is derived from one's patients.
The generalist approach to one's career is particularly attractive. Solo practice, group practice, the managed care setting, or the neighborhood health center offer a menu of clear choices. For the resident entering a clinical fellowship, the academic hospital and the opportunity to pursue care, teaching and research over a career has great appeal. Scholarship and the process of discovery are most inviting. Financial support is derived from several sources including patient care revenues, grant support and teaching or education dollars.