Can someone please tell me what type of job is there that can never be outsourced, but is present in every country in the world? What is the profession where the whole world is united in one language and one goal? When can you be paid to travel to some of the most beautiful places on earth and talk to the great minds on the planet and be an equal? What discipline is always in the progressive forefront breaking glass ceilings and perceived barriers? How can you have a career and be part of the greater good?

Anyone have some answers to those questions? How about one single answer to all those questions? The single answer: Medical and scientific research.

Yes for those of us lucky enough to be engaged in medical research we are all of those things. With my Ph.D. in physiology from Michigan State University (Go Spartans) I’ve been able to live in Europe for 10 years with stints in Paris (J’aime Paris), Moscow and Oxford. During that time I learned French, some Russian and an enormous amount about various cultures. Oh yeah, I almost forgot, I grew as a scientist from all that I had learned in those places.

If you can find a position doing work as a science geek doing medical research you’ll find it is a nice gig. I highly recommend it.