ISSUE NO. 29
Penn State
Children’s Hospital From the Vice Chair for Basic Science Research SINISA DOVAT, MD, PHD
Clinicians and Scientists – Closer Than We Think INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Department Update. . . 2-5 Quality & Safety . . . . . . . . . 5 Publications, Presentations Awards & Recognition.6-11 Hospital News. . . . . . . 12-13 In the Community. . . . 14-15 Philanthropy . . . . . . . . 16-17 Clinical & Patient Care 18-19
Integration of clinical care and science is a challenge for most university hospitals across the country. The common perception is that clinical care and science are separate endeavors, and although clinicians and scientists are often members of the same department, there is little interaction among them. Here, I offer potential solutions to this problem. Clinical care and science are inseparable in academic medicine where we all work. This specific setting provides us with amazing resources, but imposes additional responsibilities. The patient comes first, and we are expected to provide top-notch health care. However, public expectations are higher—we are also expected to advance biomedical science, pushing the borders of modern medicine further. Our community not only expects us to provide top-notch preventative health care, diagnostics, and treatment for asthma/lupus/cancer (insert your favorite disease), but also to direct our efforts toward discovering the cures for these diseases. National recognition of our institution is achieved both by having the best clinical outcomes and by cutting-edge research that advances the medical field. Thus, both clinical care and research are essential and integral at our institution, but how do we integrate them in practical ways to benefit everyone? I suggest these steps: 1. Communication: Interactive seminars focused on specific disease(s) that include clinicians and scientists. In addition to presentations of clinical and research achievements, an important step is to brainstorm how clinical and research forces can be joined to lead to the next step: 2. Collaboration in manuscript writing: Joint participation of clinicians and scientists in writing manuscripts is grossly underutilized. Joint review papers, which would include both scientific and clinical perspectives by basic scientists and clinicians
respectively, would both broaden the appeal of such papers and increase the scholarly productivity of clinicians. Intellectual contributions of clinicians in predominantly scientific manuscripts, would enhance the overall impact of the paper. Similarly, contributions of scientists to clinical manuscripts would add an additional dimension to these papers. Interaction during manuscript writing would also deepen understanding of different perspectives and lead to developing ideas for the next step: 3. Collaboration in developing translational projects: The competition for extramural funding from NIH and/or national philanthropic organizations is stronger than ever. A multidisciplinary approach with solid, hard-core basic science, integrated with clear translational and clinical benefits for patients is the only way to be successful. This could be implemented through investigatorinitiated trials, Phase I trials, and translational projects with a predominant basic science component. These projects would enhance the national recognition of our department and institution. Who should lead the integration of clinical care and research? The department–via intramural grants and educational activities; the division chiefs–who know the best the intellectual and technical resources related to particular clinical problems; and the physician-scientists– who “speak both languages” – clinical and scientific, and thus can identify previously-unrecognized opportunities for collaboration. I hope this writing will provoke thoughts about integrating clinical care and basic science and open the venues for collaboration. I look forward to hearing from everyone about your ideas for enhancing the collaboration between clinicians and scientists to unite us in our common goal – to advance the care of all pediatric patients and ultimately cure pediatric diseases.