In academic medicine, success is often measured by how many grants we receive or how many papers we publish. These are important markers, and I understand why they matter. Securing funding supports our research, and publishing allows us to share our findings with the world. But after more than two decades in science, I’ve come to believe that these numbers only tell part of the story.

Real impact in academic medicine reaches far beyond citations or budgets. It can be seen in the growth of a young scientist, the development of a new clinical tool, the change in how a patient is treated, or the strength of the institution we leave behind for the next generation. These are harder to measure but no less meaningful.

Mentorship as a Legacy

When I think about the most rewarding parts of my career, I don’t think of my highest-impact papers. I think of the students and postdocs I’ve mentored, the ones who were unsure of themselves when they first joined my lab and who have now gone on to lead projects, publish independently, and mentor others.

Mentorship is one of the most powerful ways to create lasting influence. When we teach young scientists how to think critically, how to ask good questions, and how to uphold ethical standards, we shape the future of science itself. The skills and confidence they gain will continue to multiply long after they leave our lab.

At China Medical University, we take mentorship seriously. We track how many of our students go on to advanced graduate programs, how many publish their first papers, and how many secure academic positions at reputable institutions. These are not formal metrics in most evaluations, but I believe they should be.

Translating Research Into Practice

As a cancer biologist, I spend much of my time studying how genes like TET2 influence breast cancer behavior. But my goal is not only to publish those findings. I want them to reach the clinic.

This is where translational impact becomes important. If our research leads to a new way to predict treatment resistance or guide therapy choices to help real patients, that is when I feel our work has made a difference.

We need better ways to recognize and reward this kind of impact. If a faculty member contributes to the development of a diagnostic tool, leads a clinical guideline update, or trains clinicians in a new approach, these contributions should be counted alongside publications and grants.

Patient Outcomes as a True Measure

It can be easy to forget in academic environments, but the ultimate goal of medical research is to improve patient lives. Whether we are studying molecular mechanisms, drug responses, or health systems, the end result should be better care.

At CMU, we are working on ways to measure how research influences patient outcomes. This may include new treatments introduced at our affiliated hospitals, improvements in screening or follow-up care, or even reductions in treatment side effects. These are slow, cumulative changes, but they are the most meaningful signs of impact.

I often remind my students that behind every data point is a person. If our work helps one woman avoid unnecessary chemotherapy or helps one doctor make a more informed decision, we have done something important.

Building Institutional Strength

Another form of impact I care deeply about is institutional capacity building. This includes helping CMU develop stronger research programs, attracting international collaborations, creating bilingual educational materials, and supporting new faculty members as they grow.

When I mentor junior faculty on how to design a curriculum, apply for a grant, or balance research and teaching, I am investing in the long-term success of our university. This kind of leadership does not come with an impact factor, but it strengthens the entire system.

We should create space in academic evaluations for recognizing service, curriculum innovation, cross-departmental teamwork, and other forms of academic citizenship. These contributions are the glue that holds our institutions together.

Redefining What We Celebrate

I believe it is time to shift the culture in academic medicine. Instead of celebrating only the biggest grants or most cited papers, we should also highlight mentorship stories, translational milestones, and contributions to public health.

We can start by including these elements in faculty reviews, award nominations, and annual reports. We can create platforms where researchers can share the broader effects of their work, not just the results, but the people and systems it touched.

We can also encourage young scientists to define their own success more broadly. It is good to aim for publications and funding, but it is even better to ask, “Who did I help? What did I change? 

Finding Meaning in the Work

At this stage in my career, I find the most meaning not in accumulation, but in connection. I feel fulfilled when a former student writes to say they are mentoring others. I feel proud when a research idea becomes part of a clinical discussion. I feel hopeful when our institution grows stronger, more inclusive, and more collaborative.

Grants and papers are part of our professional path, and I will continue to pursue both. But I will also continue to advocate for a more holistic view of academic success, one that honors the quiet victories, the long-term investments, and the many ways we can make a difference.