Coaching the Next Generation of Physician Scientists with Dr. Toyosi Onwuemene The Prosperous Doc

Physicians go to school to become physicians, right? Well, most of the time that’s true. Sometimes physicians go through all their many years of med school, residency, and fellowship to find that they’re actually more interested in research. Dr. Toyosi Onwuemene is one such physician, choosing to become a clinician researcher. And she thinks there’s room for more doctors like her.
“It's very obvious that there's a deficit now that I've done a little bit more research. As clinicians, because you're so immersed in patient care, you're reading the literature, you're interpreting the literature, there's a sense that you're aware of what research is needed, ” Dr. Onwuemene says in regards to moving from a clinician to a researcher. “You can interpret the research, but the gap we have is not recognized [is] how much really needs to come together to be able to be successful as a researcher.”
In this episode of the Prosperous Doc®, host Shane Tenny, CFP® welcomes Dr. Onwuemene to discuss her path to becoming a clinician scientist. Dr. Onwuemene views research as an exciting growth opportunity that feeds her curiosity to answer questions to help people improve their health. 
Recognizing there is a lack of mentors available to help guide clinicians to become clinician scientists, Dr. Onwuemene offers coaching to professionals in the field. She fills the gap for individuals who feel they lack the necessary training or mentoring to succeed in their research. Her ideal coaching client is someone who is early in their career and wants to move research forward but has the opportunity and the ability to lead their own experience. 
And if it’s not early in their career, it’s not too late. But sooner is better. “From the beginning, start with what you care about,” she says. 
💡 Featured Guest 💡Name: Dr. Toyosi Onwuemene
What she does: Toyosi Onwuemene, M.D. M.S. is an Associate Professor of Medicine-Hematology at Duke University School of Medicine and a coach, consultant, and speaker. She helps academic clinicians build research programs so that they can thrive in their careers while making a lasting impact. She also hosts two podcasts — Heme Consults for Women of Color in Hematology and Clinician Researcher.
Website: https://www.coagcoach.com/ 
Words of wisdom: “The work we do matters and being able to care for not just the person in front of us but generations beyond them is so powerful, and it's so impactful.”
Connect: LinkedIn | Instagram 
💰 On the Money 💰Top takeaways from this episode 
Research can take years to yield actionable results. Academic clinicians need to not only conduct research but also navigate manuscript writing, publication processes, and grant applications. Institutions need to provide protected time and resources for clinician training in research methodologies to allow clinicians to build their skills.Pursuing research can provide both excitement and personal growth opportunities. Despite having to navigate institutional support challenges, Dr. Onwuemene sees opportunity for clinical research to deliver growth and development. It’s a chance to answer impactful questions that can help a lot of people. Bring people to earlier diagnosis. Research gives the opportunity to...