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How is the research side of medicine (ie. biochemistry and genetics) applied in practical medicine?

I was wondering on how the research leads to application in experimental trials for illnesses such as cancer or genetic illnesses that have yet to be cured. #Spring26

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Kathleen’s Answer

Clinical trials are critical to the research process for all disease processes. As a CLS managing oncology labs, I saw this daily. Patients enrolled in trials were part of a specific regimen that required various lab tests and other monitors on a set schedule. So, R and D is absolutely in play in the clinical practice. The trial sets the measures and the caregivers and patients adhere to them and document results accordingly.
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Rita’s Answer

When I was in college, I spent a summer doing research at NIH. The doctor who was in charge was a MD in Infectious Disease. There was also another doctor but she was a PhD. I believe the MD doctor said that it was easier to get grants as a MD. He would work in the labs some days and then work to see patients on other days. Although the education is very long, you can do MD-PhD program. I think the difficult part is trying to raise money to do your projects. You need to get grants.
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Hwal’s Answer

Robin,

I'm a primary care internal medicine PA and independent researcher. In my view, medical practice and research are two sides of the same coin. One side is closely related to and informed by the other. This is why I feel that clinical practice is such an endless source of inspiration and resources for clinical research. A bit over a decade ago, I started working with investigators in an endocrinology and metabolism lab engaging in bench research. The time I spent in the lab is not only one of the most fun I've ever had, but it also has given me a higher level of appreciation of the importance and role of basic research in medical practice beyond the role of pharmaceutical trials in daily treatment decisions, for instance. By having a deeper level of knowledge on the molecular mechanism of action of a class of pharmaceutical agents, for example, I find that I can bring that extra level of sophistication to my medical practice, because I then use that knowledge to share information, educate, and advocate for my patients.

Let me now if you have any specific questions I can help with.

Good luck!

Hwal
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James’s Answer

All physicians must be involved in research to some extent, and research skills and experience are helpful in furthering any medical career. Physicians are well-aware of the need to keep up with research, daunting as that may be. Physicians organize themselves to have experts get together and pull all the research to develop best practices, and these best practices are updated regularly (and become the "standard of care").
At times it can be a challenge to connect basic science research to practical bedside care for patients, but one learns to understand how basic science leads to excellent questions that lead to further studies, first at the bench, and then on human subjects (that must always consent to any research they are involved in).
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