The translational research unit as support for the current practice of medicine

In the first part of the present paper the basis and importance of translational medicine (TM) on the current status of quality of health care is discussed. This is exemplified by the application and benefit of translational oncology and personalized oncology in cancer patients as a model of TM. The second part of this article discusses the processes that have allowed the expansion of TM in developed countries and, likewise, the global conditions that have disabled the installation and expansion of TM in Mexico. The author suggests the establishment of translational research (TR) units in third-level hospitals, which will allow the formal initiation of TM in Mexico. The author concludes that the policy of TR in regard to national public health care is currently necessary. This policy requires the participation of government, national medical academies and societies, health sector medical centers, medical and research educators, centers of investigation, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, medical and biomedical physicians, and any other persons or entities who participate in the implicit improvement of the level of medical care. The installation of TR units located in hospitals represents a common benefit for the entire society and, specifically, for patients through the generation of a health care system with a higher scientific level, as well as higher quality of care.