Physician Scientist
The “Physician Scientists” project was founded on the basis of the collaboration between Fondazione Cariplo and the AIRC Foundation for Cancer Research, with the aim of innovating and enhancing training courses for resident doctors interested in cancer research. Through the funding of thirty PhD positions spread over three cycles, the programme aims to promote the figure of the Physician Scientist within the Italian system, to encourage the integration between clinical activity and scientific research of excellence.
A one-of-a-kind training pathway
The programme includes high-level doctor training, with lectures, activities for the development of soft skills and the option of research placements abroad. It is aimed at resident doctors interested in cancer research and has two specific features. First of all, participants will have the opportunity to carry out an intense laboratory activity at high-level research institutes and holders of AIRC funding. Secondly, in all years of the doctoral programme, at least 20% of the time must be allocated to clinical activity. This structure, inspired by the best international models, enables development of interdisciplinary skills and application of scientific discoveries directly to medical practice. The inclusion in contexts of excellence and the close collaboration between universities, research institutes and clinical facilities ensure a comprehensive and highly rewarding training experience.
Institutional collaborations
Fondazione Cariplo and the AIRC Foundation have identified the University of Milan and the Doctoral School of the European School of Molecular Medicine (SEMM) as the most promising bodies with which to carry out this intervention. In particular, the PhD in “Systems Medicine” – the administrative headquarters for which are located at the University of Milan – involves six consortium universities (University of Naples Federico II, University of Trento, University of Turin, University of Bari, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome and Hunimed University, Milan) and eight research institutes located throughout Italy. This country-wide structure makes it possible to reach residents from all Italian regions, by launching a programme on a national scale. In addition, thanks to the aggregation of skills and the sharing of resources and infrastructure, the PhD in Systems Medicine is recognised by the Ministry of Universities and Research as a PhD of National Interest.
Impact and prospects
The “Physician Scientists” project represents an innovative model for the training of doctor-researchers in Italy, with the ambition of creating a new professional figure to combine clinical excellence and scientific research. The initiative aims to train a generation of doctor-researchers to quickly transfer research results to patients’ bedsides, contributing to innovations in precision medicine and the progress of cancer care. In addition to financially supporting the initiative, Fondazione Cariplo and the AIRC Foundation are also engaged in communication and advocacy activities to promote the institutional recognition of the Physician Scientist. The long-term goal is to encourage the establishment of the position of Medical Research Director and leverage the skills acquired by the participants, to facilitate their inclusion in key roles within the health and research system.