What I learned in business school: Entrepreneurship as a model for building a research career.

Abstract

[Formula: see text] <b>Dr. Kahn</b> is a clinical epidemiologist and internist based at the Jewish General Hospital in Montreal, Canada, where she is the founder and director of the Centre of Excellence in Thrombosis and Anticoagulation Care. She is appointed as Professor with Tenure in the Department of Medicine, McGill University. Dr. Kahn's research interests focus primarily on clinical trials of interventions to prevent, diagnose, treat, and improve outcomes of venous thromboembolism. She holds a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Venous Thromboembolism. On April 22, 2026, at the CSCI AGM, Dr. Kahn was presented with the 2026 CSCI Distinguished Scientist Award. This article is adapted from the lecture Dr. Kahn gave at that conference. It explores how principles learned in business school-particularly entrepreneurship-can be applied to the development and sustainability of a clinical research career. Drawing on personal experience and formal training in business administration, it highlights parallels between building a research program and launching a startup venture. Key concepts, such as opportunity recognition, strategic planning, financing, marketing, iteration, and mentorship, are reframed within the context of clinical research. The article posits that adopting an entrepreneurial mindset can enhance innovation, resilience, and long-term impact in academic medicine.