Biomedical research as a career.
Biomedical research is advancing so fast both in range and complexity that young clinicians, necessarily trained as generalists, are daunted by the prospect of grappling with such specialties as molecular biology, genetics, cell biology, biochemistry and immunology. At the same time it is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain funding and support for research projects and periods of study. Fear of leaving the promotional ladder fuelled by the decreasing number of clinical posts available further discourages clinicians from a career in research. This situation must be reversed as a matter of urgency. The qualities required of a good scientist are essentially similar to those of a good diagnostician: sound common sense, tenacity and a stubborn, restless determination to get at the truth. Certainly, it is no easy option. Nevertheless, unless medical practice is to become locked into today's technology, it is essential that applied clinical research is made attractive as a career and that a cadre of young clinicians are encouraged to spend at least three years in full time research.
Division of Comparative Medicine, MRC Clinical Research Centre, Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, Middlesex, United Kingdom.
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D002321:Career Choice; D002322:Career Mobility; D006801:Humans; D012106:Research; D012109:Research Support as Topic