Achi news desk-
Clinical scientists play a vital role in the translation of cancer research, helping to bridge the gap between scientific research carried out in laboratories and clinical research involving patients.
Working across both research settings, their contributions to new knowledge and its translation into clinical practice are critical for cancer research.
Becoming a clinician scientist usually involves doctors taking time away from their medical training to do a PhD, before returning to train in their chosen specialty, but many clinicians do not return to research after qualifying as consultants.
This could be due to the current pressure on the healthcare system and lack of funding, says Cancer Research UK.
Almost three quarters (74%) of clinical research staff surveyed by Cancer Research UK in 2023 said it had become more difficult to deliver research in a timely manner in the past 18 months, with 78% of respondents describing pressure wider on the health service as a significant or extreme barrier.
To address this issue, Cancer Research UK’s Clinical Academic Training Program provides flexible training options alongside mentoring and networking opportunities to better support clinicians who want to participate and stay in cancer research.
The funding is shared between the University of Glasgow, the University of Edinburgh, Cancer Research UK Scotland, NHS Lothian, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, and the Beatson Cancer Center West of Scotland.
Read more:
Professor Charlie Gourley, Clinical Director of Cancer Research UK Scotland and co-leader of the program in Scotland alongside Professor Richard Wilson from the University of Glasgow said: “We are delighted to receive further funding from Cancer Research UK and to work with colleagues across the UK. Scotland and the north of the UK to offer new and flexible training opportunities for doctors so they can become the clinical cancer research leaders of the future.
“It is essential for our scientists to be able to work together in the laboratory with clinicians at all levels and specialties to find new and better treatments for cancer. This will undoubtedly lead to benefits for cancer patients in the longer term.
“My personal experience of balancing treating cancer patients with researching the disease has taught me that our support and mentoring of young scientists who are cancer clinicians is essential to ensure they achieve their goals and improve the outcome for future patients”.
Michelle Mitchell, Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK, said: “Clinician scientists have a very important role to play in bringing their knowledge and experience of treating people with cancer to scientific research.
“All our doctors and scientists need to be able to reach their full potential, regardless of their background. That’s why we continue to provide flexible training options for early career clinician scientists.
“After the success of the first five years of this programme, we want to encourage even more clinicians to get involved in cancer research to help us get closer to a world where everyone lives longer, better lives without the fear of cancer. “
