Director's Page

Guiding Successful Careers to the Intersection of Basic, Clinical and Community Sciences

• A message from Barbara Alving, M.D., adapted from the latest issue of the NCRR Reporter.

Translation of research advances to practices that will improve human health cannot occur without a cadre of well-trained translational and clinical researchers. Until recently, training for these researchers relied on one-on-one instruction by more senior mentors. However, the increasing complexity of biomedical research and the technologies used to carry out this research require a broad range of expertise that is difficult to acquire without structured programs.

To meet this growing need, NCRR's Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) consortium is developing innovative approaches that give researchers the skills they need for successful careers at the intersection of basic, clinical and community sciences. The cover story in the Winter/Spring 2009 issue of the NCRR Reporter highlights examples of training programs offered at three CTSA institutions and the individuals who have benefited from them, charting their own paths to successful careers. Although clinical and translational researchers face many challenges, the individuals featured in this story demonstrate that these challenges can be overcome with the right infrastructure and resources.

The training programs designed by CTSA grantees incorporate didactic courses, often leading to master's or doctoral degrees; hands-on experiences in the laboratory and clinic; mentorship; and, importantly, exposure to large, interdisciplinary teams. At the same time, these programs give participants sufficient flexibility to embark on individualized career paths, such as research on vaccines, Alzheimer's disease, nutrition or chronic kidney disease.

In addition to providing courses that benefit budding researchers at their own institutions, CTSA grantees are working together as a consortium to leverage the expertise from each site to increase the impact and reach of available programs. Through partnerships, collaborations and connectivity, CTSAs are sharing courses, curricula and best practices — working together to ensure advancements in clinical and translational research and better health options for all.

Sincerely,

Barbara M. Alving, M.D.
Director, NCRR