Mission
- to enhance professionals’ knowledge in translational medicine;
- to promote the development of analytical skills to enable physicians, scientists, and other professionals to translate research discoveries to clinical applications within an interdisciplinary environment; and
- to develop a network of support and resources to benefit translational medicine.
The program prepares international leaders in translational medicine who will facilitate the evolution from lead identification to proof of concept in humans. Drawing upon the expertise of internationally recognized authorities in research, education, and institutional management, educational content is aimed at fostering innovative teams, critical thinking and personal mentoring. The ultimate goal of this endeavor is to produce multidimensional, interdisciplinary leaders who are prepared for a wide range of careers focusing on improving human health.
Defining the Field
Translational medicine (TM), as defined here, encompasses the continuum from identifying an idea to product development to creating new therapies for human diseases. The field includes molecular medicine, development and protection of intellectual property, knowledge of funding sources and regulatory agencies and of preclinical and clinical trial design studies, among other diciplines.
Identifying the area of need:
Three major obstacles adversely affect translating therapeutic strategies from ‘benchside’ discovery to ‘bedside’ use:
- the challenge of advancing discoveries from basic science into clinical studies;
- moving clinical studies into therapies; and
- the current training of scientists, physicians and industry leaders is not done collaboratively in one program. Limited training exists to address these challenges and training at an international level is nonexistent. This program will fulfill these needs through developing a professional capable of acting as an interface among the various components of TM.
In May of 2008, the Eureka Institute gathered leaders in translational medicine research, educators, and institutional administrators conducted a Consensus Conference to explore how to address the education of new professionals in TM. This resulted in an innovative educational initiative to train mid-level career professionals to address critical gaps in the field.
The Institute successfully developed and hosted the Inaugural Program in May 2009 and is hosting the 2nd Annual Program in May 2010. The Certificate Program is the first step in developing an accredited, internationally recognized Masters program that will meet future educational needs.