The curiosity and sense of wonder that prompted these individuals to become scientists has not diminished. They confirmed that research and teaching are challenging and pleasurable. Some faculty reported contentment with all aspects of their professional lives. In short, they love their work but not their jobs. Many faculty see changes in and beyond the University as making it increasingly difficult for them to meet their teaching, research, clinical, and administrative responsibilities.
Time is at a premium.
Several expressed regret over the increasing role that financial issues play in the decisions of individual faculty members, departments, and schools. People frequently referred to the pressure to get external funding for research at a time when funding is difficult to obtain and when they also must bring in funds through clinical services. Some comments had a wistful tone, as the speakers viewed such changes as diluting the advantages of being in a university, especially in academic medicine. Although the University s commitment to free inquiry remains attractive, some faculty members described themselves as increasingly less free to pursue their research interests. They worry that only research that follows a safe and narrow path will be funded and counted for promotion.