ABSTRACT
Medical departments in pharmaceutical companies have traditionally been comprised mostly of physicians. Research, such as it existed, mainly involved clinical experience by investigators outside the company, utilizing simple research designs. Recognizing this dilemma, the decision was made at Burroughs Wellcome to restructure the Department of Clinical Research. Also, clinical research from the medical department of a pharmaceutical company involves as much or more science than medicine. Residents spend 3 months in the Department of Clinical Research gaining knowledge and experience in the methodology and execution of clinical trials. The program is being offered to provide specialized training both in drug development and clinical research, with training time shared between the two institutions. For a study to be properly conducted, it is equally important that the colleagues and support staff of the primary investigator meet certain qualifications.
