Establishing a Research Career: Possible Scenarios

A career in biomedical or behavioral research offers both personal and professional rewards. Many researchers are motivated by the desire to help others while some are challenged by the possibility of uncovering new answers to life's questions. Whether the focus is basic science or clinical investigation, the work of these researchers will ultimately improve the health of many individuals. The research training and career development programs offered by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) enable those who are interested in research careers to experience the laboratory environment and to explore and define their interests.

There are several possible pathways for developing a research career utilizing the programs offered by the NHLBI. Three possible scenarios are listed below:

• SCENARIO I. Establishing a Research Career Using Minority Support Programs
• SCENARIO II. Establishing a Research Career Using Minority and Nonminority Support Programs
• SCENARIO III. Establishing a Research Career Using Nonminority Support Programs

Two of the scenarios listed above apply to minority individuals, the first highlighting the use of minority programs only and the second highlighting the combination of minority and nonminority programs. The third scenario suggests a pathway that both nonminority and minority individuals may wish to follow. Other career pathways may be developed by combining the programs offered at the various education and training levels.