Clinicians With Formal Research Qualifications Undertaking Dual Clinical and Research Activities Should be Titled and Recognised as ‘Clinician Scientists’

Clinicians, who engage in research alongside their clinical duties, not only improve patient outcomes but contribute to cultural and workforce benefits for their healthcare organisations. The nomenclature of workplace titles for these roles has evolved over time and across international and geographical boundaries, as has the perceived level of research expertise or qualifications required. We propose that consistent titling for these roles would be of significant benefit for individuals, as well as healthcare leaders, and in the Australian context, clinicians conducting relevant research as part of their role, and who have a PhD or recognised research qualification, should be titled ‘Clinician Scientists’.