Fig. 1 Think globally, mentor locally. When carefully examined from local levels in-country, critical issues constitute a complex systems problem. Breaking this down by sectors makes potential intra- and transdisciplinary solutions definable. This translation requires ongoing systematic assessment with defined metrics and research in fields ranging from basic and translational biomedicine, engineering, implementation science, policy, and economics. Solutions must come from community participatory processes and mentors must serve not only as experts but also as facilitators and students of these processes. Educating and preparing mentors to act as social organizers is a necessary part of this model.
CREDIT: V. ALTOUNIAN/SCIENCE TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
Fig. 2 Translating intention into action. As shown in the center panel, the ultimate goal of a reimagined health care system that reduces cancer burden in underserved areas (yellow box) relies on people—scientists, mentors, health care workers, and patients. The starting point for multisector and transdisciplinary innovation and improvements in cancer care is sustained in-country mentoring, and the resulting mentored health care system interacts with and offers opportunities and challenges for several sectors (shown in the surrounding columns). Appropriate expertise in a capable work force is an overarching requirement. Biomedical research produces new knowledge that can be translated into better treatments and prevention strategies. Implementation science will establish and use credible metrics that guide direction and investments. Economic benefit arises from a combination of better health plus the potential for new markets for goods and services—addressing the triple bottom line of profit and loss, social responsibility, and environmental responsibility (www.economist.com/node/14301663). Technology aids optimal deployment of the work force to (i) ensure appropriate delegation of tasks to the most cost-efficient expertise levels, (ii) bridge the distance between patients and care centers, and (iii) invent and develop diagnostics and therapeutics that remain functional within an unreliable infrastructure.
CREDIT: V. ALTOUNIAN/SCIENCE TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
Supplementary Materials
www.sciencetranslationalmedicine.org/cgi/content/full/6/259/259fs42/DC1
Table S1. Portfolio of potential projects.
Additional Files
- Supplementary Material for:
Transforming Science, Service, and Society
C. Norman Coleman* and Richard R. Love
*Corresponding author. E-mail: norm.coleman@iceccancer.org
Published 22 October 2014, Sci. Transl. Med. 6, 259fs42 (2014)
DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3009640This PDF file includes:
- Table S1. Portfolio of potential projects.
