A physician-scientist in a futuristic laboratory, symbolizing the connection between research and patient care.

The Decline of Physician-Scientists: Are We Losing Ground in Basic Medical Research?

Rhea Morgan in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 4 min read.

"A new study reveals a concerning trend: fewer medical residents are pursuing basic science research, potentially impacting the future of medical innovation."

For decades, physicians have been at the forefront of medical progress, translating clinical observations into groundbreaking laboratory research. This bench-to-bedside approach has fueled innovations in treatments and therapies. However, a recent study from the University of Toronto suggests a concerning trend: a decline in the number of resident physicians pursuing basic science research.

The study, published in CMAJ Open, examined the research projects of residents in Surgeon-Scientist and Clinician-Investigator programs from 1987 to 2016. Researchers categorized projects as either basic science, clinical epidemiology, or education-related, revealing a significant shift away from fundamental research.

This article delves into the study's findings, exploring the potential implications of this trend for the future of medical breakthroughs, personalized medicine, and the role of physician-scientists in driving innovation.

The Numbers Don't Lie: A Steep Drop in Basic Science Focus

A physician-scientist in a futuristic laboratory, symbolizing the connection between research and patient care.

The study's findings paint a clear picture: basic science research is losing ground among medical trainees. Researchers found a 60% drop in the proportion of trainees pursuing basic science training between 1987-1992 and 2011-2016 (p = 0.005). This decline persists even when excluding data from the Surgeon-Scientist Program, with a 55% decrease observed within the Clinician-Investigator program alone (1993-1998 vs. 2011-2016, p = 0.005).

This shift isn't just a relative change; the absolute number of residents engaged in basic science is also decreasing. While the overall number of trainees in the Clinician-Investigator Program increased over time, the actual number of those involved in basic science has dwindled since 1999-2004.

Agreement between raters: 100% agreement in research categorization, reinforcing the reliability of the study.
Categorization of research topic: There were only 9 cases in which categorization remained unclear.
Observed trend: Significant and persistent decline in relative and absolute numbers pursuing fundamental research.

What's driving this decline? Several factors could be at play. The study authors suggest the rise of other attractive fields, such as health services research, patient safety, and quality improvement, may be drawing residents away from traditional basic science. Changes in medical school curricula and a decreased emphasis on basic science during residency could also contribute.

Why This Matters: The Future of Medical Progress

The decline in physician-scientists pursuing basic science research has significant implications for the future of medicine. Fundamental scientific discoveries are the bedrock of medical advances, from understanding disease mechanisms to developing innovative therapies. A decrease in basic science engagement by clinicians could slow the pace of medical progress.

Personalized medicine, which tailors treatment to individual patients based on their unique genetic and physiological characteristics, relies heavily on a deep understanding of basic science. If fewer physicians are trained in this area, the promise of personalized medicine may be difficult to realize.

The study's authors emphasize the importance of physician-scientists in bridging the gap between clinical practice and laboratory research. These individuals are uniquely positioned to identify critical research questions, translate findings into practical applications, and ultimately improve patient care. Encouraging and supporting physician engagement in basic science research is essential for a vibrant and innovative medical future.

About this Article -

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.9778/cmajo.20160062, Alternate LINK

Title: Research Projects In The Surgeon-Scientist And Clinician-Investigator Programs At The University Of Toronto (1987-2016): A Cohort Study

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: CMAJ Open

Publisher: CMA Joule Inc.

Authors: Neil M. Goldenberg, Benjamin E. Steinberg, James T. Rutka, Robert Chen, Val Cabral, Norman D. Rosenblum, Andras Kapus, Warren L. Lee

Published: 2016-08-22

Everything You Need To Know

What's causing fewer medical residents to pursue basic science research?

A recent study indicates a decline in medical residents choosing basic science research. The *CMAJ Open* study highlights that fewer residents in Surgeon-Scientist and Clinician-Investigator programs are focusing on fundamental research compared to areas like clinical epidemiology or education-related projects. This shift raises concerns about the future of medical innovation.

What specific study highlighted the decline of physician-scientists engaging in basic medical research?

The shift away from basic science research is multi-faceted. The rise of fields like health services research, patient safety, and quality improvement are drawing medical residents. Changes in medical school curricula, with a reduced focus on fundamental science during residency, may also play a significant role. The study showed a 60% drop in basic science training between 1987-1992 and 2011-2016.

How could the decline in physician-scientists affect personalized medicine advancements?

The decline in physician-scientists focusing on basic science research has substantial implications for future medical advancements. Fundamental discoveries are the foundation for understanding disease mechanisms and developing innovative therapies. Reduced involvement in basic science could slow down the rate of medical progress because bench-to-bedside approach will be less explored. Physician-scientists, with their clinical insights, are crucial for translating observations into impactful lab research.

What are the potential implications of fewer physician-scientists engaging in fundamental research?

The study specifically tracked research projects within the Surgeon-Scientist and Clinician-Investigator programs from 1987 to 2016. These projects were categorized as either basic science, clinical epidemiology, or education-related. The researchers noted a significant decline in the proportion of residents choosing basic science. Specifically, the absolute number of residents engaged in basic science has dwindled since 1999-2004, even as Clinician-Investigator Program trainees increased.

Which research programs were examined to find the trend in basic science focus?

Yes, the trend of fewer medical residents pursuing basic science research could affect personalized medicine. Personalized medicine relies on understanding the fundamental mechanisms of disease at the molecular and genetic level. Basic science research is vital for uncovering these mechanisms and identifying potential targets for personalized therapies. If fewer physician-scientists are engaged in this type of research, the progress of personalized medicine will stall.