Private practice should embrace research

Private practice and clinical research have long been quiet partners. However, as independent practices grow in size and more fellowship-trained urologists recognize the advantages of private practice, a growing number of practices are taking a more active role in clinical trials.

“We are on the cusp of an explosion of high-quality research in this space,” predicted Deepak Kapoor, MD, clinical professor of urology at The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

Dr. Kapoor chaired the Independent Practice Research Symposium, “Introduction to Independent Practice,” on Saturday with a look at how private practice urologists, trial sponsors and patients all benefit from private practice trials.

Trial sponsors have a clear rationale for private practice research, Dr. Kapoor noted. Most patients are in private practice. Private practice has larger, more accessible pools of potential trial participants than traditional academic research centers.

The rationale for private practices is just as clear.

“Actively engaging in clinical research helps us distinguish ourselves,” said Lawrence Karsh, MD, director of research and attending urologist at The Urology Center of Colorado. “We use research as a recruitment tool for those who have an academic leaning but want to be in the private practice setting.”

Private practice research means urologists no longer have to choose between life as a clinician or an academician.

“Doing research in private practice means a urologist can have the best of both worlds,” said Gordon Brown, DO, urology specialist at New Jersey Urology. “None of us in the practice are 100% research. We are all practicing urologists.”

Participating in clinical trials gives more patients access to the latest therapies, Dr. Karsh noted.

“Research helps our bottom line,” he added. “Research isn’t a windfall for our practice—you have to be very diligent with budgeting—but it can be very financially rewarding.”