Recently, a resident of mine was trying to decide whether to pursue a career in academic medicine. “Why would I want to be a physician-scientist?” he asked me. “Isn't it difficult to get funding and aren't the chances of success low?” These concerns are legitimate. I have seen many colleagues begin their careers as academic physicians only to move on to non-academic jobs.

To train a future generation of scientists that can bridge the gap between the laboratory and the patient, we need more programmes like the 'Physician-Scientist Early Career Award' run by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) and the KO8 'Mentored Clinical Scientist Award' from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). By providing extra funding, grants such as these free up time for laboratory research, seminars, courses, journal clubs, and national and international meetings.

Since first applying for an HHMI physician-scientist fellowship almost ten years ago, I've believed that the hybrid position offers unique and rewarding opportunities. As clinicians, we are able to provide compassionate care for patients. As scientists, we can investigate the pathological basis of disease and discover new treatments for devastating illnesses.

In my current job as director of a brain-tumour programme, I maintain a strong presence in both the laboratory and the clinic. The two responsibilities are truly complementary. The patients in my clinical programme motivate me to research the mechanisms of brain-tumour development, and my laboratory research addresses basic questions about the human brain and brain tumours. Eventually, I hope to help translate this knowledge into improved therapies for brain-tumour patients. And, with the support of the NIH and the HHMI, I hope to have the opportunities and resources to investigate and develop new ways to fight this disease.

So far, however, we have not made significant strides towards innovative treatment strategies. As my resident and I began another day studying the brain, I emphasized that it is up to us to change the harsh decree that 'nothing can be done' to help these patients. Despite having concerns about future funding for physician-scientists, he said he would think seriously about this path. I hope he decides to join me.