HEALTH RESEARCH IN CANADA - A SHIFTING PARADIGM

A Personal review of medical research in Canadian medical schools over the past 25 years reveals extraordinary contributions. Over this time , medical research evolved from a by-product of faculty members to a c ommitment that determines the future success of a medical faculty. The increasing competition for health research funding and the high stand ards created internationally have changed the way research is organize d in our medical faculties. Current trends include a move toward group and thematic research, an increased role of research institutes and t he development of strategic partnerships with industry. Because of the need for more planning and more critical and timely review of researc h efforts, the benefits of collaboration enhance the quality and compe titiveness of a medical faculty. A broadened vision of the Medical Res earch Council and provincial foundations and the need to increase reso urces for research foreshadow even greater change.