A group of physicians has met to articulate the need for expanding patient-oriented research and science. We define patient-oriented research as observation and scientific study of individuals or small groups of subjects, for an understanding of their physiologic and pathophysiologic characteristics. The primary focus of the research is on mechanisms of disease on the clinical observations and laboratory studies that define these mechanisms as well as interventions that modify the course of the disease.
We are aware that other associations and societies share some of our interests and we have no wish to preempt their important activities. We believe, however, that facilitation of current efforts to expand patient-oriented science is very much needed. We will meet this need by forming an organization for all who are active participants in basic patient-oriented research. We believe a new organization is needed to focus and expand current efforts emphasizing this variety of clinical science.
The mission of the Association is to demonstrate and reinforce the centrality of scientific study of human subjects, in furtherance of the understanding of the causes of disease and to contribute thereby to disease therapy and prevention. The Association will work to maintain and expand clinically derived scientific knowledge, with auxiliary use of laboratory science, and to promote patient-oriented science as a core discipline of the profession of medicine.
Our objective is to establish ready communication and common enterprise among physicians and other scientists who recognize the importance and challenge of patient-oriented research and who wish to make it a major element of their professional activities. This objective will be achieved by:
Holding an annual meeting that features the presentation of outstanding new contributions to basic patient-oriented research and establishes a forum for those who are engaged in that category of clinical research.
Fostering activities that promote and recognize successful careers in patient-oriented research, thus ensuring that these clinical scientists are appropriately recognized for their activities in their own institutions and by academic medicine at large.
Enhancing the development of effective training programs for careers in patient-oriented science.
Advocating adequate funding for patient-oriented research by providing appropriate information to the public and to federal, state, and local governments as well as foundations and industry.
The name shall be Association for Patient-Oriented Research.
Membership in this Association will include the following:
· Lifetime Member: Lifetime membership is an expression of support for patient-oriented research by those for whom our discipline is an elemental priority
· Active Member: Experienced physicians, or individuals holding other doctoral level degrees, who have published peer-reviewed work relating to patient-oriented research.
· Associate Member: Individuals who have held a doctoral level degree for fewer than eight years, who are in training, and/or do not meet the requirements to be an active member.
· Emeritus Member: Emeritus membership may be offered, within the discretion of the Board of Directors, to individuals who have completed outstanding careers as a patient-oriented scientist.
· Student Member: Fulltime medical students and graduate students with an interest in patient oriented research may apply for Student Membership.
APOR gratefully acknowledges support from the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
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