TRICKS OF THE TRADE IN MIAMI 2013 – NEW INVESTIGATORS SIG EVENT
There is an article about the tricks of the trade meeting in Miami 2013 in Quality of Life Quartely - so go have a look!!
http://www.isoqol.org/membership/quality-of-life-quarterly
(Update 04.02.2014 - and here is the article)
Following its big success during the previous two annual conferences, the New Investigators event “Tricks of the Trade” was convened again this year, combined with the Mentor-Mentee reception. This year’s panel consisted of Prof. Donald Patrick, Prof. Karen Sousa, and the recipient of the 2012 Emerging Leader Award, Prof. Melanie Calvert, who were invited to talk about their own career development within QOL research; give advice to new investigators beginning to work in this field; and share their views about the future of QOL research.
Prof. Patrick told us that new investigators should start early on thinking about their career, and not be afraid to be flexible. It was often during times of change, and moving to a new place, that Prof. Patrick made his biggest advancements during his career. In addition, he urged new investigators to never stop writing and publish at least 4 manuscripts a year, of which at least two had to be good ones. A final remark was that to advance in this field, one should make sure to have a good spouse to get that much needed support.
Next up was Prof. Karen Sousa, who indicated that doing research is like a journey. New investigators should actively think about their career trajectory and research path, and compare their current status with future goals. To help facilitate these future goals, new investigators need to be confident, and not be afraid to talk to people and ask for advice. Furthermore, Prof. Sousa urged new investigators to practice their “elevator speech”, which should contain no more than 10 words.
Last, but certainly not least, was the newly appointed professor of outcomes methodology, Melanie Calvert. Prof. Calvert told us that if constant meetings and different views hinder research progress, a new investigator should apply the JFDI method. In addition, new investigators need to make sure that they work with people they can learn from. New investigators should also learn to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Finally, when that hard work pays off, Prof. Calvert advises to make sure you actively celebrate that success with the team.
Some major tricks that stood out were the following: First, all three professors agree that you have got to have a gimmick - you have to make sure that you are one of the very few that can do what you do. Second, find yourself a mentor who can help you with research and career issues. Lastly, make sure you don’t forget you own quality of life - research should first and foremost be fun!
Best wishes,
Katerina and Marc.
