Early career research is an exciting but daunting portion of our careers as urologists. We arrive at our attending-level positions with every ounce of enthusiasm but likely lack the infrastructure and organization we relied on in residency and fellowship. Fortunately, the principles and values gained from our mentors carry with us to these new beginnings and shape our careers. I’ve been asked to provide guidance on finding your way as an early career researcher, but full disclosure—I am still finding mine.

Understanding the peer review and editorial process has provided a tremendous benefit to my own research and scientific writing. Learning what reviewers look for in a manuscript, how quickly we need to grab and hold their attention, and how to defend our findings are critical points in the manuscript production and revision process. Applying this knowledge in reverse order, these points help shape our future investigations by avoiding faults from our prior works. From a clinical knowledge standpoint, peer review and editorial leadership also allow us to stay up to date with both the most recently published articles and the future direction of urological science. Importantly, this process not only allows trainees to absorb the most up-to-date literature, but also teaches us how to dissect prior studies for relevance and quality. One of the many clinical knowledge pearls I’ve gained from Moffitt Cancer Center is this: in fellowship we learn new concepts, then question why the concepts we previously held true are accurate. The constant reevaluation of truth and science invokes a healthy skepticism as a clinician and researcher, and ultimately helps refine our research questions and study designs.

Professional and personal connections in urology are paramount to our future endeavors in research and leadership. Some of these acquaintances happen organically through rotations, friends of mentors, etc, while others require personal outreach. Academic conferences are ideal scenarios for the exchange of ideas and reconnecting with former colleagues. Annual meetings also represent an excellent opportunity to connect and meet leaders in the urological field and get to know peers on a personal level. Reaching out to others can be intimidating, but urologists are often more than happy to share ideas and time with each other. In the era of UroTwitter, a quick direct message of interest to meet can go a long way, especially for those aspiring to specific residencies, fellowships, and job opportunities.

Juggling it all: Let me know when you find the secret. If I had to hint at one item to managing life as a surgeon, clinician, and researcher, it’s humility. I personally find humility in my family life, exercising, and humanitarian work. To oversimplify this message, do things that make your problems seem small. I can’t recommend groups like Volunteers in Urology enough, but we can also volunteer our time on a spectrum ranging from medical mission trips to speaking with the premedical students at our local university for guidance. A stereotypical surgeon mindset may cause personal relationships to suffer due our career demands. As surgeons who require empathy to properly treat patients, please protect the time you spend with your loved ones and pursue this with even more passion and vigor than your career. Ultimately, this helps us better communicate and treat patients, and prevents the ever-relevant burnout.

In summary, trying to find your way as an early career researcher is complex, and there is no secret formula. I’ve personally found benefit from the editorial and review process, guidance from mentors, and method of juggling it all. Fortunately, in today’s world of information sharing, we can learn the perspectives of many accomplished urologists and the sage wisdom they may have. I invite anyone who has kindly taken the time to read this article to reach out to their trainees and plant their best advice: how did you juggle it all, and how would you do it over again?