Careers in Clinical Research

Transforming biological discoveries into medical treatment calls for a cadre of health professionals skilled in patient-oriented research. Yet many factors discourage talented persons from choosing clinical research as a profession.This new volume lays out the problem in detail, with specific recommendations to the federal government, the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, professional organizations, the health care industry, organized medicine, and the nation's universities and academic health centers.The volume exploresHow clinical research is conducted, what human resources are available, and what research opportunities lie ahead.Why health professionals become discouraged about clinical research.How the educational system has failed in this area and what programs stand out as models.How funding affects the supply of researchers.This practical book will be of immediate interest to public and private agencies funding research, research administrators, medical educators, health professionals, and those pursuing a career in clinical investigation.Table of ContentsFront MatterExecutive SummaryIntroductionNurturing Clinical ResearchersClinical Research Funding and InfrastructureTraining PathwaysAcademic-Industry RelationshipsReferencesAppendix A: Report of the Task Force on Clinical Research in DentistryAppendix B: Report of the Task Force on Clinical Research in Nursing and Clinical PsychologyAppendix C: Report of the Task Force on Clinical Research in SurgeryAppendix D: Agenda for the Workshop on Clinical Research and Training: Spotlight on FundingAppendix E: ContributorsAppendix F: Biographies of Committee MembersGlossaryIndex