Challenges facing early-career and mid-career researchers: potential solutions to safeguard the future of evidence-based medicine

Abstract

The challenges facing the evidence-based medicine (EBM) movement are well documented.1 2 Yet, the problems facing early-career and mid-career researchers (EMCRs) working in the ecosystem of EBM have not been articulated. The coming together of a cohort of EMCRs from across the globe enabled this articulation.3 The 2019 EBMLive conference (see box 1) provided a space for EMCRs to discuss problems, exchange ideas and create a list of potential solutions. This article outlines four key problems faced by EMCRs and their potential solutions (see box 2). Box 1 ### The EBMLive Conference The EBMLive Conference (www.ebmlive.org) is a joint partnership between the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine and the BMJ , designed to develop, disseminate, and implement better evidence for better healthcare . Since inception, EBMLive has worked tirelessly to include the voice of students and early-career researchers. Building on previous work, the inaugural Doug Altman Scholarship3 and Building Capacity Bursaries were launched in 2019 to fund the travel and attendance of early-career researchers from across the globe to attend the conference. Box 2 ### Problems facing EMCR and their potential solutions In the lead up to the EBMLive conference, Doug Altman Scholars submitted personal and general problems they have faced as early-career researchers. The responses were synthesised and shared with the Scholars to generate further discussion. During EBMLive, the problems and ideas for potential solutions were discussed and presented during dedicated sessions for early- and mid-career researchers. The key list of problems facing early-career and mid-career researchers and their potential solutions are as follows: 1. Tokenistic training of evidence-based medicine 2. Emphasis of quantity over quality 3. Lack …