This formal report from the Committee on Careers in Physiology of the American Physiological Society summarizes important aspects related to predoctoral and postdoctoral training programs and career opportunities in physiology. (CS)

Reports results of a survey of departments of physiology in private and public medical and nonmedical schools (N=98). Includes information on faculty, positions, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, funding, and salaries. (DC)

Lists and discusses factors students should consider when developing their graduate physiology program and when selecting a postdoctoral training experience, describing how these graduate/postdoctoral experiences are related to five job areas. Job areas include teaching, committee obligations, consultant responsibilities, advising graduate…

Presents subset findings of a survey monitoring the flow of students from graduate studies through postdoctoral positions and into permanent professional positions. Findings indicate that the traditional career path continues to describe the first professional position for most physiology Ph.D. recipients but does not match the activities of a…

Priorities for development of a successful career as a physiologist are described. Areas considered include: (1) adequate pre- and post-doctoral training; (2) research specialty; (3) selection of department/institution; (4) productivity; (5) research grant support; and (6) the training of doctoral students and fellows. (JN)

The availability of opportunities and the development of an academic career in a physiology department within a medical school or basic science department by graduates and postgraduates who intend to participate in physiology on a full-time basis are discussed, emphasizing typical background and job responsibilities. (Author/DC)

Summary data from the annual questionnaire sent to chairpersons of physiology departments are provided on a sample questionnaire. Data of faculty salaries (presented in 12 bar graphs) and departmental budgets/space (presented in table format) are also provided. (JN)