Academic Medicine w/ Guard/Reserve

[SurfingDoctor]

Hello all

I would like people's input on something I have been considering. A little background, I have been out of fellowship training for several years and am I'm a NIH-funded, sub-specialist clinician-scientist at a large academic institute. I also have a full-time working wife and three small kids (all under age 5). Currently, I really love my job and career. At this juncture, having small kids and a fulltime working wife, I need the flexibility that academia can provide. However, I have had a strong interest in serving in the military and helping others either here or abroad. In reading the limited information on the websites for Guard or Reserve (as well as reading some of the forum posts here), I was curious if people had personal experience with remaining in academic medicine and being in the guard/reserve.

Is it even possible to have academic research endeavours and be a part of the guard or reserve? Is it possible to have an NIH-funded lab/research and still be able to be in the Guard/Reserve (there is no information I can find on this, but I suspect I know the answer)? How understanding were your colleagues and institute when you were deployed (I know the have to allow you to serve, but honestly, did you sense resentment or annoyance for having to cover you)? What was/is your overall experience, would you do it again (I would prefer honest answers)?

I wouldn't have any other intention than helping out. I'm financially in good shape and have essentially paid back most of my medical student debt through the NIH. Additionally, I have tuition benefits for myself and dependent through my academic employment. In other words, I wouldn't be looking to join the Guard/Reserve than for any financial stipends or whatever, only to help out. But I also wouldn't join the Guard/Reserve if I saw negatively impacting my academic career or family.

Anyway, just curious on people's experience. I'm older and kinda of on a different track than most joining the Guard/Reserve being an NIH researcher (well, I'm assuming that) and probably have unrealistic expectations/goals, but was just curious. Thanks.

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[deleted480308]

disappering for 4 months at a time can't help but impact your family...I know there are academic clinicians in the guard but I don't know about full time researchers. Your ability to disappear functionally might have a lot to do with your status as "key position" where you are at.....a lab with you as the head everything and a few students running grunt work can't live if you leave for 4 months. You as equal partner with 25 docs can probably get by....

I also think there is something to be said for getting the input from your partners first. While they legally can't do anything about it, I think it's questionable to have them offer partnership to a person with a certain life situation (like, living here all the time) and then change the deal on them if it's going to be a burden.