2008 Symposium
Mid-career Transitions: Choices and Challenges
(Sponsored by APS Career Opportunities in Physiology Committee)
Organizers:
Rolando E. Rumbaut, M.D., Ph.D. (College of Medicine)
Nansie A. McHugh, Ph.D. (Hungtindon Life Sciences)
Many career-oriented symposia are devoted to early-career transitions; however, mid-career transitions are also common and may involve equal or greater challenges and opportunities than those of early-career scientists.
The first topic will be an overview of how to deal with career transitions, emphasizing voluntary as well as involuntary changes. A synopsis highlighting transitions between academia and industry will follow and will provide information on the similarities and differences between scientific careers in these two environments, and strategies to facilitate the transition. A similar approach will be used to discuss career opportunities in the government and military. Finally, strategies for assuming leadership/administrative positions (e.g., Department chair, Dean, etc.) while maintaining an active research program will be discussed.
A greater understanding of the unique aspects involved in various types of career transitions is expected to provide mid-career scientists with highly relevant information to facilitate these career changes. While the symposium is targeted for mid-career scientists, several aspects may be of interest and relevant to scientists at other stages of their career.
Presentations (see audio and PowerPoints from each presentation below)
How to manage mid-career transitions: voluntary and involuntary
Marian R. Walters, Ph.D. (Penn State Capital College)
Transitions from industry to academia (and vice-versa)
David M. Pollock, Ph.D. (Medical College of Georgia)
Scientific career opportunities in the government/military
Edward J. Zambraski Ph.D. (U.S. Army Institute of Environmental Medicine)
Assuming administrative/leadership positions while maintaining an active research program
D. Neil Granger, Ph.D. (Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport)