Introduction and Definitions

Translational medicine is a branch of medical research that attempts to more directly connect basic research to patient care. Translational medicine is growing in importance in the healthcare industry, and is a term whose precise definition is in flux. In the case of drug discovery and development, translational medicine typically refers to the “translation” of basic research into real therapies for real patients. The emphasis is on the linkage between the laboratory and the patient’s bedside, without a real disconnect. This is often called the “bench to bedside” definition. Translational medicine can also have a much broader definition, referring to the development and application of new technologies in a patient driven environment – where the emphasis is on early patient testing and evaluation. In modern healthcare, we are seeing a move to a more open, patient driven research process, and the embrace of a more research driven clinical practice of medicine.