This month there is a glossy spread in GQ Magazine featuring the Rock Stars of Science. More information can be found on the organization's slick website. The Rock Stars of Science organization recognizes scientific achievement and popularizes medical research. Heavily featured are distinguished physicians and researchers in the fields of cancer, biology, genetics, Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular diseases and pharmaceutical research. While I am not sure how much of an impact this will have in generating interest, advocacy and research, it certainly cannot hurt, especially when researchers are featured along music greats such as Debbie Harry, Bret Michaels, Timbaland, Keri Hilson, Jay Sean, B.o.B and Heart.
Underrepresented in the Rock Stars of Science are physicians, researchers and advocates in the fields of health services research, public health, preventive medicine and infection prevention. Gaining prominence in these areas is hampered, in part, by the funding shortage to support clinical and health services research. In a recent position paper, the Society of Healthcare Epidemiology highlights the dire shortage of research funding in infection prevention. Further, research and advocacy in preventive medicine, healthcare access, health outcomes research or even hospital epidemiology does not typically lead to blockbuster discoveries. Thus, it seems unlikely that health services researchers, healthcare policy advocates or epidemiologists will make the cut for the next Rock Star of Science photo shoot.
For a different perspective in medical rock stardom, I refer the reader to a manuscript in Academic Medicine, aptly titled, Rock Stars in Academic Medicine. The authors surveyed the Deans of 126 US medical schools discovering that the prevalence of rock stars was 1%-6% of full-time faculty. These high-performing faculty members at academic medical centers contribute to institutional prestige by success in basic or translational research, or by superb clinical programs and philanthropy. Although medical schools are usually willing to provide extra resources to gain and retain these faculty stars, the return on investment is quite simply greater institutional prominence.
For one of VCU’s Rock Stars, I refer you to Dr. Michael Edmond’s blog.
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