title: Building a teaching-research nexus in a research intensive university: rejuvenating the recruitment and training of the clinician scientist.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The continuing decline in clinician scientists is a global concern. This paper reports on a two-fold rationale to address this decline by increasing the number of students on a formal pathway to an academic research career, and building a 'teaching-research nexus' using the research intensive environment at our University.
  
  
  METHODS
  The University of Queensland has implemented a research intensive program, the Clinician Scientist Track (CST), for a select cohort of students to pursue a part time research Masters degree alongside their full time medical degree. To this end, the support of clinical academics and the research community was vital to achieve a 'teaching-research-clinical nexus' - most appropriate for nurturing future Clinician Scientists.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In three years, the CST has 42 enrolled research Masters' students with the majority (90%) upgrading to a PhD. Research represents 33 different areas and over 25 research groups/centres across this University and internationally.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Other research intensive institutions may similarly build their 'teaching-research nexus' by purposeful engagement between their medical school and research community. The CST offers a feasible opportunity for outstanding students to build their own 'field of dreams' through an early start to their research career while achieving a common goal of rejuvenating the ethos of the clinician scientist.
authors.affiliation: The University of Queensland , Australia .
authors.forename: Diann S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Eley
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Wilkinson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000193:education*; D002321:Career Choice; D005180:Faculty, Medical / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011793:Queensland; D012577:Schools, Medical / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013337:Students, Medical; D055815:Young Adult