n this episode of The Clinician Researcher Podcast, Dr. Tracy Onwuemene dives into the complex and often circular challenge of securing protected time in academia. From the struggle to get grants without protected time to the difficulties of gaining protected time without funding, she breaks down strategies and shares personal insights from her career journey.

Dr. Onwuemene emphasizes the importance of clarity, creativity, and strategic thinking in carving out time to pursue research and other professional goals. This episode will resonate with faculty and early-career researchers grappling with competing demands and seeking practical approaches to align their career aspirations with their realities.

Key Topics Covered:

1. The Paradox of Protected Time and Grant Funding:
   • The chicken-and-egg dilemma of needing protected time to secure grants but requiring grants to justify protected time.
   • Why clarity in career goals is critical for navigating this challenge.
2. Clarifying Your Goals:
   • The hidden fears and societal expectations that obscure true desires.
   • How identifying what you genuinely want—whether it’s research success, family time, or a mix of priorities—can guide your decisions.
3. Assessing Clinical Requirements:
   • Understanding your "minimum viable clinical work" to optimize your time and avoid burnout.
   • Asking the right questions about RVU targets and institutional expectations.
4. Evaluating the Relative and Energy Value of Contributions:
   • Determining the financial and personal energy costs of different clinical activities.
   • Balancing what generates revenue with what aligns with your passion and energizes you.

Takeaways:

• Know Your Why: Dig deep to uncover your true priorities and goals.
• Ask Strategic Questions: Understand institutional policies and set realistic expectations for your clinical and research work.
• Maximize Your Contributions: Align your efforts with what brings you energy and delivers the greatest value.
• Be Adaptable: Goals can evolve, and your approach to protecting time should too.