Putting Patients First: How Research Is Transforming Healthcare

A prominent figure in the field of translational medicine and cancer therapies, Prof Orla Sheils holds the position of vice-provost at Trinity College Dublin. In her role as chief academic officer and vice-provost, Prof Sheils is responsible for overseeing the college's research strategies and academic staff. She has a strong background in research and remains actively involved in the discipline she started her career in.

'Research can sometimes operate in silos that try to separate basic, translational and implementation research. But most progress comes when they are seen as interconnected elements of a spectrum'

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Prof Sheils is internationally recognized for her work in translational medicine, cancer research, and molecular diagnostics. Her journey has come full circle at Trinity College Dublin, where she obtained her PhD in molecular pathology. Over the years, she has served as the founding director of the Trinity Translational Medicine Institute and held the position of dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences before accepting her current role.

Adopting a Translational Approach

Prof Sheils describes her research career as multidimensional, spanning various facets such as sample preparation and assay design, functional genomics, and genomic analysis focused on driver mutations of cancer progression and metastasis. She emphasizes the importance of a patient-centered and translational approach in medical research.

"Medical research encompasses basic, translational, and clinical research, along with implementation in clinical practice. It is a multidimensional model with a high level of complexity and interconnectedness," says Prof Sheils.

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She highlights the need to view basic, translational, and implementation research as interconnected elements rather than separate silos. Throughout her career, Prof Sheils has learned to prioritize keeping the patient at the center of her research question, despite the expectations of funding agencies.

'Patients are the sum of multiple pathologies, life events, and exposures'

Prof Sheils has successfully aligned the expectations of funders and industry players with the needs of patients. She has worked with multinational consortia to design, validate, and implement panels of assays for early molecular diagnostics. Her work has paved the way for the routine use of novel sequencing technologies in clinical laboratories worldwide. Additionally, she continues her international leadership through her role as a member of the Scientific Council of the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

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The Changing Landscape of Cancer Research

Reflecting on her research career, Prof Sheils acknowledges significant changes in how medical researchers and clinicians approach cancer. Rather than solely focusing on the site of the cancer, there is now a greater emphasis on understanding the molecular changes driving cancer growth and expansion.

While the medical profession advances towards precision and personalized healthcare, Prof Sheils emphasizes the importance of addressing societal inequalities that may hinder access to medicine. She believes that research should cover the full value chain, from scientific discoveries to the translation of these discoveries into new treatments.

'It is a truism that the best healthcare is delivered in a research-rich environment'

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Prof Sheils emphasizes the need to consider the impact of co-morbidities on cancer diagnosis and treatment, as patients are influenced by multiple pathologies, life events, and exposures. She highlights the importance of adapting research approaches and thinking to better understand and develop effective treatments. Although she may not handle a pipette as often in her current role, Prof Sheils leverages her problem-solving and lateral thinking skills from her research days.

Ultimately, she firmly believes in the power of impactful research to save lives. Prof Sheils asserts that the best healthcare is delivered in a research-rich environment. The transformational potential of research lies in addressing the needs of doctors and nurses working to improve patient outcomes. She encourages continued progress through education, research, and implementation.