Translational medicine: challenges and new orthopaedic vision (Mediouni-Model)

Abstract

In North America and three European countries translational medicine (TM) funding has taken center stage as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), for example, has come to recognize that delays are commonplace in completing clinical trials based on benchside advancements. Recently, there are several illustrative examples whereby the translation of research had untoward outcomes requiring immediate action. Focus more on three-dimensional (3D) simulation, biomarkers, and artificial intelligence may allow orthopaedic surgeons to predict the ideal practices before orthopaedic surgery. Using the best medical imaging techniques may improve the accuracy and precision of tumor resections. This article is directed at young surgeon scientists and in particular orthopaedic residents and all other junior physicians in training to help them better understand TM and position themselves on career paths and hospital systems that strive for optimal TM. It serves to hasten the movement of knowledge garnered from the benchside and move it quickly to the bedside. Communication is ongoing in a bidirectional format. It is anticipated that more and more medical centers and institutions will adopt TM models of healthcare delivery.