Last update:
02-Jun-2020

Progress in modern medicine followed the achievements of medical basic research during the previous century and the technological advances in other sciences, such as chemistry, physics, molecular biology and genetics. During recent decades, most medical researchers were occupied in clinical or epidemiological research only. The future of medicine now depends on close collaboration between physicians and scientists in other fields of basic research, as the necessary first step for progress in applied research. Measures to engage more physicians and scientists from other fields in basic medical research, in effective collaboratiοn, include encouraging students to follow courses in other scientific fields besides their main focus. Medical schools should employ scientists from other fields to participate in basic research projects. Basic research centers should employ scientists from a variety of different fields. A percentage of clinical research funds could be used to subsidize basic research. Work in basic research should be considered an asset when evaluating the medical staff of universities and research centers.