What is the primary focus emphasized in community-based practice settings for ID specialists compared to academia?

Answer

Direct patient care

While academic medical centers blend teaching, complex case management, and research, community-based practice settings typically place a much heavier emphasis on direct patient care. Specialists in community settings often manage a higher volume of clinic visits or carry broader clinical responsibilities across various facilities. Although opportunities for research, such as quality improvement projects or clinical trials managed via the practice group, do exist in the community, the overarching primary function remains providing clinical service rather than pursuing intensive, grant-funded academic research.

What is the primary focus emphasized in community-based practice settings for ID specialists compared to academia?
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