Clinician scientists in cardiovascular medicine Position paper of the German Cardiac Society

Policy makers in academic medicine, the educational and research sectors, and industry all agree: clinician scientists, physicians engaged in research, are the key to translating and implementing innovative therapeutic concepts into clinical practice. To this end, research on cardiovascular diseases, which cause most cases of death in the world, must be prioritized. Following internal group discussions and surveying physicians working in university hospitals and affiliated research institutes, the German Cardiac Society thoroughly analyzed the current and future situation and role of clinician scientists in cardiovascular medicine. Modern cardiology at university hospitals is characterized by higher workloads with more patients, shorter hospital stays, and increasingly more complex interventions, making it difficult for physicians and department heads to combine their research interests and activities with their clinical duties and training. This position paper discusses possibilities to improve working conditions and career perspectives for clinician scientists in cardiovascular medicine.