Basic biomedical science and the destruction of the pathophysiologic bridge from bench to bedside

Area of Science:

• Medical Research
• Pathophysiology
• Clinical Investigation

Background:

• Pathophysiology of organs and organ systems was a central focus in medical practice, research, and education.
• This field has seen a significant deemphasis, creating a disconnect between epidemiological and molecular studies.
• The decline impacts diagnostic reasoning, clinico-pathophysiologic correlations, and the pursuit of organ-system-level scientific questions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the consequences of the deemphasis on pathophysiology in medical research.
• To identify the underlying ideological reasons for this decline.
• To propose a revision of scientific ideology to foster creativity and address neglected research areas.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of the current state of medical research and education.
• Examination of the impact of research funding and policy shifts.
• Critique of the prevailing ideology prioritizing molecular and cellular research over organ-level investigations.

Main Results:

• The deemphasis on pathophysiology has led to significant defects in diagnostic reasoning and clinico-pathophysiologic correlations.
• Molecular research has become isolated, with many prominent scientific questions at the organ-system level being neglected.
• An ideological belief that scientific importance is inversely proportional to the size of investigated entities fuels this decline.

Conclusions:

• The current ideology, which devalues organ- and system-level research, constrains scientific creativity and progress.
• Revising this ideology is essential to bridge the gap between clinical and basic science and address fundamental scientific questions.
• While policy changes may help, fundamental ideological shifts are necessary for the long-term health of medical research.