Team science and the physician–scientist in the age of grand health challenges

Abstract

Despite remarkable advances in medical research, clinicians face daunting challenges from new diseases, variations in patient responses to interventions, and increasing numbers of people with chronic health problems. The gap between biomedical research and unmet clinical needs can be addressed by highly talented interdisciplinary investigators focused on translational bench-to-bedside medicine. The training of talented physician–scientists comfortable with forming and participating in multidisciplinary teams that address complex health problems is a top national priority. Challenges, methods, and experiences associated with physician–scientist training and team building were explored at a workshop held at the Second International Conference on One Medicine One Science (iCOMOS 2016), April 24–27, 2016, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. A broad range of scientists, regulatory authorities, and health care experts determined that critical investments in interdisciplinary training are essential for the future of medicine and healthcare delivery. Physician–scientists trained in a broad, non-linear, cross-disciplinary manner are and will be essential members of science teams in the new age of grand health challenges and the birth of precision medicine. Team science approaches have accomplished biomedical breakthroughs once considered impossible, and dedicated physician–scientists have been critical to these achievements. Together, they translate into the pillars of academic growth and success.

Impact of a Respiratory Disease Young Investigators’ Forum on the Career Development of Physician-Scientists

“…Additional strategies that have been recommended to improve retention in the pipeline have focused on the development of professional skills, including collaboration ( 15 ), networking ( 14 ), and interactions with role models and mentors ( 5 , 14 ). Development of a professional identity as a physician-scientist ( 24 ) and confidence and clarity in choosing a research career ( 14 ) have also been identified as important factors in retention.…”

“…To date, most publications on approaches to increase the number of trainees in the physician-scientist pipeline have focused on programmatic, policy, or funding strategies at the institutional or national level ( 4 – 6 , 9 – 12 ). Comparatively little attention has been paid to the importance of acquiring effective scientific communication ( 13 ), networking, and collaboration ( 9 , 14 , 15 ) skills, even though these competencies are essential for a successful research career.…”

To train the qualified physician-scientists

“…近年来, "系统生物学"和"整 合医学"的概念逐渐兴盛, 促进医学研究恢复基础科学、临 床研究和医学实践之间的联系 [5] . 跨学科团队科学作为一 种新趋势, 正在改变传统单一科学家独立研究的模式 [12] .…”

Inter-Professional Education, Inter-Professional Practice and Team Science: Learning Together; Working Together

“…This is also the area that is developing at an exciting new pace, integrating team theories, methodologies, frameworks of working cohesively. Team competencies and dynamic models of working are also highly relevant (31)(32)(33)(34)(35)(36).…”