ABSTRACT
This chapter explains the role that an efficient, effective medical department can play in ensuring that knowledge is disseminated within and outside the company in an optimum manner. It outlines the structure, function and composition of a typical department in a local operating company, and some common problems and opportunities. The medical department can act as the central focus for internal communication by virtue of its regular need for interface with almost every other department in the company. The medical department is responsible for: clinical research and clinical trials, medical services, safety and regulatory affairs. In addition, with the responsibility for ensuring that trial data is promptly presented and published, close cooperation and communication between different departments is essential. Communication does have a dual role, in that representatives also feedback valuable information to the medical department. Internal and external communication provides many of the solutions to the problems of the industry and increases effectiveness and productivity.
