Narrowing the scientist-practitioner gap via career triangulation

Our career journeys are unique and become integral parts of our life stories. This paper describes the development of a career path that can be currently defined as a persistent effort to balance three separate but highly aligned areas that feed into each other: research, teaching and coaching. The emergence and improvement of each of these career identities will be explained, focusing on the motives and concerns that guided the quest. The dynamic nature of this triangular career and the interaction among its components will be clarified, followed by a summary of key suggestions and insights based on this journey to address the scientist-practitioner gap. This career story is expected to inspire others who need to reconsider their career perceptions and expectations, and define their authentic career identities.