DGIM Generally Speaking

Pages: Notes from the DGIM Writer in Residence - Catching up with Eric Campbell, PhD

Did you know that there are sociologists on staff in the DGIM? Also epidemiologists, health policy experts, and behavioral scientists? They’re among the PhD researchers whose work may not be familiar to many clinicians and yet informs every aspect of clinical practice from medical decision-making to health care delivery. The beginning of a new academic medical year seems a good time to highlight the vital role PhDs play in the DGIM. I sat down with Dr. Eric G. Campbell, a sociologist, professor at Harvard Medical School, and the most senior member of this team, to learn more about our PhD colleagues.—Suzanne Koven, DGIM Writer in Residence

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Can you tell us a bit about your career path and research interests?

Eric Campbell (EC): After finishing my PhD at the University of Minnesota I came to the MGH for a post-doctoral fellowship in health policy with Dr. David Blumenthal. I was then offered an instructor position and figured I would stay for a couple of years and then head back to the Midwest, but 20 years later I’m still here at the MGH and HMS. My research interests involve the study of physicians, professionalism in medicine, conflicts of interest, and other ethical issues.  

Has your role and the role of PhDs in the DGIM changed over time?

EC: My role has changed dramatically over the last two decades. When I arrived as a newly minted PhD I spent the majority of my time absorbing the knowledge and experience of my colleagues. Eventually, I began securing funding to support myself and other staff through research grants. I still spend the vast majority of my time writing grants, conducting research, and writing papers. Over the years I have acquired additional responsibilities such as assisting in running the Mongan Institute Health Policy Center (MIHPC), providing consultation services for the Division of Clinical Research at the MGH, teaching a course at HMS, and providing service to professional organizations and the federal government.    

What are some of the research projects currently being conducted by PhDs in the DGIM?

EC: I’m working on a study of oncologists’ attitudes and behaviors related to medical marijuana. I’m also assisting colleagues on studies about data sharing in science, conflicts of interest in medicine, and other topics. My colleagues in the MIHPC are working on a wide range of studies looking at smoking cessation, Medicare payment policies, nursing practices, and many others.

How does the role of a PhD researcher in the DGIM differ from those in the specialty divisions?

EC: The biggest difference relates to the types of research we do. In the DGIM, PhDs come from a wide range of disciplines but most conduct clinical epidemiology, health services research, and policy research. In many other departments, the PhDs are conducting basic science research. In the DGIM we conduct our own research and help our clinical colleagues conduct research as well. 

How do the challenges and opportunities facing PhD researchers differ from those of their MD colleagues?

EC: I think for MDs who are primarily researchers the challenges and opportunities are pretty much the same.  Securing funding in this very challenging environment is at the top of the list for most folks. Other challenges include finding time for writing, obtaining resources to build your research group, and seeking opportunities to interact with other researchers in your scientific discipline who tend to be located in universities and not hospitals. Since the arrival to MGH of Drs. Katrina Armstrong and Josh Metlay, I’ve seen a massive increase in the amount of attention and support provided to researchers who are not clinicians.

What would you most like your clinician colleagues to know about the work of PhD researchers in the DGIM?

EC: The DGIM has on staff some of the most talented PhDs in the world. My colleagues are known internationally for their work and they are truly amazing scientists. Recognizing and appreciating their accomplishments and expertise as colleagues are some of the most important things we can do to promote a dynamic and exciting research culture in the DGIM at MGH.

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Would you like to share a story from your DGIM experience here, or have a private consultation about a manuscript or about writing in general? Contact me at skoven@mgh.harvard.edu 

Read more articles from the Summer 2017 edition of Generally Speaking