A bright future for veterinary clinical research

ANIMAL SCIENCE

This is an exciting and optimistic time to be a clinician scientist.  With advances in molecular biology and genetics, the publication of whole animal genomes and an increasing recognition of the value of the study of animal diseases to human medical research, we now have an incredible tool box to study disease in veterinary patients.

We also have an unprecedented opportunity to use new technologies, advance clinical practice and create appropriate environments and career structures for the current and next generation of clinical scientists. 

In my field – veterinary medicine – clinical research is often defined as research conducted with animals in which an investigator directly interacts with his subjects – perhaps to develop new technologies and ways of treating diseases.

Apparent decline
As veterinary medicine has evolved, however, the perceived value of this clinical research has suffered an apparent decline. It doesn’t result in large grants or publication in important journals, as it is perceived to have less of an impact.

Consequently, clinical research is considered by some to be not as valued as basic science – the fundamental knowledge upon which our clinical practices today have been built.

However, much of what we know about disease can be traced back to basic clinical observation and the pioneering efforts of clinical scientists.  Further, without clinical research, there is no way to translate basic science into actual clinical practice so that patients can be treated.

I would argue that the term “clinical research” should apply to research conducted across a spectrum, from basic science through to clinical cases, all with the aim of advancing knowledge and translating discovery into practice. 

Achieving this will be challenging, but I would argue that there are some simple ways in which we can make success more likely. For example, we need to inspire the next generation by ensuring that undergraduate students experience research, so they may understand the value of an academic career. 

Right environment
Universities should value and respect clinical research, and there should therefore be a focus in institutions on creating an environment that fosters the development of strong clinical research programmes. The clinical specialities within a Veterinary School should reflect the research interests of that school to create a platform where collaboration between clinicians and basic scientists can be nurtured.  Where clinicians can become part of a research team, there will be fewer time pressures, greater innovation and greater productivity. 

Mentoring
Strong mentoring programmes within Universities could also guide budding clinician scientists towards collaborative research programmes. Significant advances in our understanding of disease and full exploitation of new genetic technologies will require large amounts of clinical data and clinical material. This will only be achieved with good international collaboration, and every effort should be made to foster that. 

Veterinary clinical research is at an exciting juncture, in which there are incredible opportunities ripe for the picking. For the advancement of veterinary and human medicine, there is an absolute requirement for the clinician to provide the key biological questions. Recognition of this is key to driving investment in strong clinical research programmes. 
 
Divergence
It is true that recent times have witnessed a divergence within veterinary schools of clinicians and basic scientists, the former focusing on publishing case reports and conducting low-budget researchprojects. However, it is time now to bring that era to a close, bring clinicians back into strong research programmes, and value the absolute requirement for clinical expertise.

(The writer is RCVS and European specialist in Veterinary Oncology, University of Edinburgh)