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Seamless Science"The most exciting phrase to hear in science, the one that heralds new discoveries, is not Eureka! (I found it!) but rather, 'hmm... that's funny...'" 
Peter G. Traber, M.D. There is Hollywood's version of scientific discovery—the "Eureka!" moment—and there is the more mundane reality of Isaac Asimov's assessment of the persistent scientist suddenly noticing something odd in the daily lab results. Research, as those whose careers are tied to it know only too well, is not about solo breakthrough discoveries. Of course these rare and celebrated events do occur, but new medical solutions more often result from brilliant teams of people working over many years. Alexander Graham Bell summed it up best when he said that "great discoveries and improvements invariably involve the cooperation of many minds." The truth is, advances in medical science increasingly result when the best minds from the worlds of basic and clinical research work in tandem. This "translational" approach to discovery is changing not only how research is conducted, but also the very education of medical and graduate students. Ultimately, it's the patients who benefit from this amazing revolution in the scientific process. This issue of Solutions examines the basic elements of how clinical trials are carried out, and profiles several model researchers and clinicians at BCM. This story is not complete without the trendsetting translational work of such investigators as Drs. Cliona Rooney and Helen Heslop, whose collaborative M.D.-Ph.D.efforts have resulted in promising new approaches to fighting cancer, or the adaptation of military technology by Dr. Eva Sevick and her colleagues in the department of radiology's division of molecular imaging for use in more accurately diagnosing breast cancer. A new BCM program in translational biology and molecular medicine is combining the best of two worlds by introducing M.D. students to research, while showing students dedicated to laboratory science how their work can translate to patients. This program meshes perfectly with an NIH plan to increase participation in translational research. This issue also highlights the division of plastic surgery, under the direction of Dr. Samuel Stal. Dr. Mimi Leong, who was recently recruited to plastic surgery, will be conducting research of aging and wound healing in a medical field that has seldom seen pure researchers. From scientific pioneers such as Dr. Vernon Knight and Dr. Stanley Crooke, both profiled in this issue, to the community-minded skaters' project by Baylor student Caleb Gonzales, it is clear that no great institution ever moves forward without the talents and energy of many individuals. The consistent support of an alumnus such as Dr. R. Mason Shiflett, and the foresighted gift by Harold Korell and his wife Pat to advance patient service at Baylor Clinic, are strong examples of community collaboration. If we are, as they say, the "sum of our parts," then it should be no surprise with such commitment to working together, Baylor College of Medicine was recently ranked No. 10 among the nation's 125 medical schools by U.S. News & World Report. Peter G. Traber, M.D. |
Patient CareResearchTrekking Into New Territory: Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine Closing the Gap Between Lab and Clinic EducationTulane's Journey Back to New Orleans Community ServiceAlumni & DevelopmentCollege News
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Volume 2, Issue 2, Summer 2006 |
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