What should be the primary concerns as you set out in your academic career? Should publishing take precedence over securing grants? Dr Larry Allen, recent ex-fellow and assistant professor (University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver), interviews the national authority on funding opportunities and career development, Dr C William Balke (senior associate dean for clinical research, University of Kentucky, Lexington), on career hurdles and watershed events and why now is a stimulating time to be embarking on an academic career.