Clinical research opportunities: what you need to know for your practice.

Cardiologists and cardiovascular practitioners are facing significant reimbursement constraints. In this setting, increasing numbers of practitioners are looking to participate in clinical research as a new source of revenue. An aging population and consolidation among pharmaceutical companies, medical device companies, and contract research organizations are placing great emphasis on speed of new products to market. Opportunities exist for well-positioned and knowledgeable clinical investigators to enhance their practices, increase their professional knowledge, and expand their network of scientific colleagues. This article provides an overview of the drug and pharmaceutical industry referable to clinical investigation, the tools necessary to become a valued, principal investigator and an outline of challenges and opportunities for clinicians wishing to engage and enhance their clinical research activities.