University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery Associate Professor Nicole Bentley, M.D., delivered a presentation at the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) Annual Meeting, outlining strategies for successfully managing the often-competing demands of clinical practice and research.

During her presentation, "Contributing to the Field: Early Steps in Establishing a Subspecialty Interest and/or Research Focus," Bentley shared her personal experience in building a thriving dual-focused career.

Bentley emphasized the importance of understanding the obligations tied to both clinical duties and research responsibilities, noting that knowing the expected roles within each area is critical to achieving success.

According to Bentley, starting a clinical practice and building a research portfolio simultaneously can be challenging, so created a structured plan to manage both effectively is important. She recommended setting realistic expectations and creating a strategic plan with 2-year, 5-year and 10-year goals for both clinical and research career trajectories.

Grant applications, another key topic of her presentation, require persistence, according to Bentley. She shared her own experience with multiple grant submissions, highlighting that success often follows numerous attempts and learning from rejection.

Bentley’s presentation also underscored the importance of flexibility and adaptability, reminding attendees that unexpected events are inevitable in both clinical and research settings, and having contingency plans and remaining persistent are essential qualities for professionals aiming to excel in both fields.