Research during residency

Physicians in German university hospitals feel themselves confronted with a multiple workload due to patient care, teaching and research. Furthermore, this load is increased by administrative duties and conference trips; however, the framework conditions surrounding this multiple workload of patient care, research and teaching as well as administrative activities are becoming increasingly more difficult. In particular, there is very little free time for scientific activities. Research is therefore often carried out during leisure time. The path of the clinician scientist, a duo of scientiific and clinical activities, opens up many possibilities; however, the question arises whether the career path of a clinician scientist is even possible under the current conditions or whether this is an endangered aEurospecies". This article presents the problems but solutions and ideas are also developed for optimum organization of this multiple workload and to appreciate the additional value of clinician scientists.