Simon Couillard and Sanjay Ramakrishnan discuss their paths from medical school to becoming assistant professors in different parts of the world, the challenges they faced in securing academic positions, and the importance of mentorship and community in their careers. They delve into their time at Oxford, the decisions that shaped their career paths, and the delicate balance between clinical work and research. This first episode is a must-listen for anyone at the beginning of their clinician-researcher career, offering insights into negotiating job offers, the significance of protected research time, and the factors influencing the choice of research locations. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the unique opportunities and hurdles faced by early-career clinician-researchers.