Those two things might not be mutually exclusive. At least where I’m from (a major academic center) and a nearby institution (a large community program) that both have fairly high volume transplant programs, there are several faculty members that do no research. I imagine that it’s hard to advance without research and harder to finder jobs that don’t require it, but I asked this on most of my interviews in one way or another (ie job opportunities as faculty, growth etc) and most places commented that they are very very busy and either don’t have much time for research or they do need people to do straight clinical/educator work.
I really have no data to back this up, but I wouldn’t be surprised if over the years the trend of large centers buying up small local practices and in general building this satellite system that transplant will over time get even more focused on just major centers.
If you’re interested in a transplant place not associated with a university then most of those “community” places I’ve noticed do seem to be “academic like” in that they have lots of trainees and try to do research. Obviously the impetus to publish is somewhat less there so advancement or job opportunities might be easier. Again all speculation.
