The Clinician Scientist in Canada: new addition to the White Paper series
Following the release of the original White Paper series, the Royal College Fellows identified Clinician Scientists as a topic area in need of further development. Recognizing the need for the right mix and distribution of physicians across the spectrum, the Royal College supported the development of an additional Clinician Scientist White Paper for the series. This paper is the newest addition to the Royal College’s original White Paper series.
- To view the full report please contact the Office of Specialty Education
Who are Clinician Scientists?
Clinician Scientists undertake additional research training and, in addition to working in clinics, dedicate a substantial part of their careers to research. Because of this dual role, their contributions to new knowledge and its translation to practice are critical for health care innovation in Canada.
The Clinician Scientist career stream is an integral part of the health system and an important component of ensuring the right mix and distribution of physicians. Yet Clinician Scientists comprise a somewhat small percentage of total physicians in Canada.
This paper outlines the barriers to recruiting and retaining Clinician Scientists, and makes recommendations on how the Royal College can address these challenges.
Remarkable feedback on White Paper draft
The Office of Specialty Education concluded the consultation on the Clinician Scientist in Canada White Paper in 2014. The feedback represented a wide range of stakeholders from primary and specialty care organizations, including Canadian Faculties of Medicine, le Collège des médecins du Québec, the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada, the College of Family Physicians Canada, members of the Royal College Council, and many other clinicians, medical education leaders and researchers concerned about this subject.
Based on feedback received, there is tremendous excitement about the initiative to publish a Clinician Scientist in Canada White Paper. The feedback also reflects challenges in the current Clinician Scientist training track, and makes realistic recommendations on how Canada’s leading healthcare organizations can build flexible training models and retain Clinician Scientists to promote innovations in patient care through research in Canada.
The final document is expected to be launched in 2015. If you have any questions about the Clinician Scientist in Canada White Paper, please do not hesitate to contact us: educationpolicy@royalcollege.ca.
The original white paper series
Contact us about the Clinician Scientist in Canada White Paper
educationpolicy@royalcollege.ca
