"Is Translational Research in your Future?" with Dr Robert Califf

This talk was delivered to postdocs at Duke University on Wednesday, October 13, 2010, as part of the Translational Research Series, co-sponsored by the Duke Office of Postdoctoral Services, the Duke Translational Medicine Institute, and the Office of the Vice Dean for Faculty Enrichment.

A critical goal of biomedical research is to transform discoveries into preventions, treatments, and cures. By working together, basic scientists, clinical researchers, and engineers are removing barriers to research, training new generations of clinical and laboratory research teams, and providing equipment and resources needed to catalyze translation across the continuum of scientific discovery, clinical research, care delivery, and global health.

SPEAKER: Dr Robert Califf is Vice Chancellor for Clinical Research, Director of the Duke Translational Medicine Institute (DTMI), and Professor of Medicine in the Division of Cardiology at the Duke University Medical Center. Dr. Califf leads a large, multifaceted organization focused on the transformation of how discoveries are translated into improved medical care. Prior to his role at DTMI, he was the founding Director, Duke Clinical Research Institute (DCRI), a premier academic research organization. He is the editor-in chief of American Heart Journal, the oldest cardiovascular specialty journal.

As the founder and Director of DCRI for a decade, Dr. Califf led many of landmark clinical trials in cardiovascular disease. He is considered an international leader in the fields of health outcomes, quality of care, and medical economics. Under his leadership, DCRI grew to an organization of more than 1000 employees with an annual budget of over $100 million. A leader in clinical research, DCRI collaborates extensively with government agencies, global academic partners, and biotech, pharmaceutical, device, and diagnostics companies to execute clinical trials in a myriad of therapeutic arenas.