In this extended Q&A, we revisit the highlights from their conversation and share their practical insights in full – from chasing dogs in the name of research to mastering the art of saying no.
For Dr Eunicia Tan, Emergency Physician and Director of Emergency Research at Middlemore Hospital and University of Auckland, research began as a way to reignite her professional drive. Professor Jed Duff, a Nursing Professor at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) and Queensland University of Technology (QUT), describes himself as a “pracademic” which is someone who focuses on practical implementation of evidence to solve real-world problems.
Curiosity and a drive to improve emergency care sparking research journeys for Associate Professor Jeremy Furyk, Emergency Physician and A/Prof at University Hospital Geelong and James Cook University, and Emergency Physician and Researcher Professor Louise Cullen, at RBWH, University of Queensland and QUT.
Together in this panel discussion, they reflect on how they got started in research, what they’ve learned, and how they’re helping the next generation of researchers.
What challenges did you face starting out in research, and how did you overcome them?
Eunicia: PhD challenges felt very personal, including having imposter syndrome and uncertainty about my own research skills. The key is to accept that you don’t need to know it all up front, you can build skills gradually. Choosing a research topic can be hard, but let your interests guide you naturally. You can choose your own topic, or be part of a research project/programme. There are pros and cons with either.
Louise: Research is a team sport; you can’t do it alone. Challenges include finding funding and building a team with complementary skills like biostatistics and health economics. Momentum comes from years of work and collaboration, and many get discouraged because research often demands huge personal time investment.
Do you need a PhD to be a researcher in emergency medicine?
Jeremy: What’s most important is doing a PhD for the right reasons and at the right time. I pursued a PhD to connect with other specialties and grow the emergency medicine research base, but it isn’t entirely necessary.
Eunicia: I’m in the middle of mine now! It has given me a solid foundation in research skills, but you should align it with your personal mission and values. If it doesn’t help you achieve your goals, it’s okay not to do it. I’ve learned a lot of skills from ethics to recruitment – and I even got chased by dogs in the name of research! I’ve enjoyed every bit of it so far!
How do you support others learning to do research and grow clinician-researchers in your department?
Jed: I’m a problem-solving researcher who learns alongside others. Mentoring is reciprocal and we support each other. I find that this approach keeps me connected to practice and real-world problems.
Jeremy: My focus is now on capacity building in Geelong, which means I want to make research more visible, support clinicians in every way I can, and foster collaborative projects.
How do you find and make the most of a mentor?
Eunicia: Formal mentoring programmes exist, but the mentoring relationships that develop organically are probably more mutually beneficial. It’s better to ask to start a conversation first, because formally asking someone to be your mentor is like asking someone to marry you on a first date, and you don’t want to scare them away! Mentors come in many forms: champions, peers, reverse mentors. It’s about relationships and mutual support.
Jed: I sought out people I admired, attended conferences, and connected whenever I could. Sometimes you just need to put yourself out there! Mentoring is my whole reason for being here, I want to help people navigate research.
How do you decide when to say yes or no to requests or projects?
Louise: It’s about alignment, if a project fits your expertise and values, then say yes; otherwise, say no. Remember, there are only so many hours in the day.
Eunicia: Don’t apologise if you have to say no. We don’t always have the capacity or the expertise. Thank them and suggest someone else who may be suitable.
Knowing what you know now, what would you do differently pursuing a research career?
Jeremy: I’d suggest focusing on one area and becoming an expert in the field. I didn’t do this and while I don’t regret my research journey, I’ve come to realise that specialisation really helps.
Jed: When you’re looking at someone’s career, always remember that you only see the wins. People say I’ve been strategic in my career, but really I just applied for everything, and it just so happened to lead me here.
From choosing the right research path to building resilience through rejection, these clinician-researchers shared more than just advice: they offered a glimpse into the real-life experiences behind academic careers. Their stories show there’s no single path into research and highlight the power of persistence, collaboration and community in shaping the future of emergency care research.
If you’re inspired to start or grow your research career, EMF offers a range of grants designed to support you. Our Emerge Grants provide funding and mentorship for early-career researchers, while Scholarships are available for Trauma Care clinicians looking to build research skills.
We’re here to help you take the next step in emergency medicine research, because every curious clinician deserves the chance to make a difference. For more information visit our Grants Calendar.
