Emphasizing Fundamental Science in Medical Training

In the 1990s, medical school curricula began to undergo significant reforms. The emphasis was on integrating cutting-edge research initiatives and outstanding bench-to-bedside patient care into the standard curriculum. Ten years later, The Science Advisory Board is interested in assessing which specific set of skills medical schools should continue to emphasize when preparing students for 21st century medicine.

ARLINGTON, VA -- November 25, 2002 -- In the 1990s, medical school curricula began to undergo significant reforms. The emphasis was on integrating cutting-edge research initiatives and outstanding bench-to-bedside patient care into the standard curriculum. Ten years later, The Science Advisory Board is interested in assessing which specific set of skills medical schools should continue to emphasize when preparing students for 21st century medicine. Of the 1,024 respondents to a poll on this issue, 49% believed that translating knowledge from bench to clinic and from clinic to bench was the most important set of skills followed by 46% of respondents who thought that treating sickness and disease was a more valuable set of skills to develop.

While the prevention of disease and the maintenance of health are hallmarks of medical school education, The Science Advisory Board believes that rigorous training in the basic medical sciences should form the groundwork for comprehensive instruction in clinical medicine. This fundamental emphasis on the basic sciences allows a students thinking to stay attuned to the constant expansion and refinement of biomedical knowledge," observes Dr. Tamara Zemlo, Director of The Science Advisory Board. Striking a balance between understanding basic science knowledge and applying it in the treatment of sickness and disease will be what distinguishes graduates from forward-thinking medical schools in the 21st century.

ABOUT THE SCIENCE ADVISORY BOARD

The Science Advisory Board is an online panel of more than 13,700 scientists, physicians and other life science and medical professionals from 62 countries. By convening electronically, Science Advisory Board members participate in online studies to voice their opinions on issues that directly affect the evolution and development of the tools and techniques of their professions. The Science Advisory Board is currently conducting ongoing studies in other exciting areas of the life sciences. Scientists can contribute their own views on the tools and techniques of their field by participating at http://www.scienceboard.net. The Science Advisory Board was organized in 1997 by BioInformatics, LLC (http://www.gene2drug.com), a research and consulting firm located in Arlington, VA.

CONTACT:
Dr. Tamara Zemlo
Director, Scientific & Medical Communications
The Science Advisory Board
2111 Wilson Blvd, Suite 1200
Arlington, VA 22201
703.525.3872 x360 phone
t.zemlo@scienceboard.net
http://www.scienceboard.net