Professor André Ng
President, British Cardiovascular Society
Heart medicine relies heavily on research and innovation in bringing new treatments and life-saving procedures to patients with heart and circulatory diseases.
In the UK, clinicians and academics have been at the forefront of international research. When I trained as a cardiologist, we were expected to take extra time to complete a research project and gain a higher degree before applying for a consultant post. This gave me and my colleagues skills that are difficult to achieve otherwise, including data analysis, scientific writing, the ability to appraise clinical evidence and the ability to communicate the findings effectively.
Balancing medical practice and research
Due to increasing emphasis on clinical and medical training and an expanded curriculum to cover a broad range of knowledge and skills, research training now seems to be under threat; trainees can finish training without completing a focused period of research. This risks the erosion of academic expertise amongst the clinical workforce and the ability to lead and deliver high-level clinical trials in future generations.
We need to future-proof our workforce by equipping them with the necessary skills, so they are not only capable clinicians but also possess the critical mind and innovative perspectives necessary to ensure the delivery of excellent healthcare based on best evidence.
Research training also has to incorporate
AI, as there is good evidence that it can
improve the quality and efficiency of
cardiovascular care delivery in many areas.
AI in cardiovascular care
Research training also has to incorporate AI, as there is good evidence that it can improve the quality and efficiency of cardiovascular care delivery in many areas. Good governance and ensuring the appropriate use of true and accurate data are vital so that the resulting technological tool provides effective and safe applications to improve patient care.
Clinicians of the next generation need to be involved now in AI development to shape and design the best use of these advances. The benefits of AI will support the new initiatives recently announced in the NHS 10-year Health Plan for England, targeting cardiovascular disease with a focus on prevention, early diagnosis and effective treatment.
Workforce plan for leadership
Underpinning the success of these initiatives will be a new workforce plan, which we hope will rebalance our training programmes, restoring the research elements so that the UK remains in a leading position in this vital field.
