Fostering interdisciplinary research in a faculty of medicine: an integrated model

Modern biomedical research spans a variety of clinical and basic medical sciences and may not fit the departmental structure of a traditional medical school, which is determined by patient care and teaching responsibilities. Interdisciplinary research has therefore often been developed in research institutes with limited relationship to regular university departments. This paper outlines the important organizational initiatives which contribute to an integrated model of interdisciplinary research more closely linked with the medical school. The establishment of close working relationships among Department Chairs is essential for the integration of interdisciplinary research with existing clinical and basic medical science departments. Department of Chairs must see the development of interdisciplinary research groups as a means of enhancing research related to their disciplines. It is important to identify priority research areas using broad-based interdisciplinary committees (for example in neuroscience), and to establish guidelines for recruitment of selected research groups which include both Ph.D. and M.D. scientists who maintain appointments in a regular department for teaching and other academic functions. Physical proximity for the group may require reorganization of departmental research space which is maintained under the overall control of the Dean. The ability to maintain and renew interdisciplinary research groups, or to phase them out if necessary, can also be strengthened by using this integrated model.