(Circulation. 1995;91:487-493.)
© 1995 American Heart Association, Inc.
Articles |
American Heart Association–Bugher Foundation Centers for Molecular Biology in the Cardiovascular System
From the Sigfried and Janet Weis Center for Research, Geisinger Clinic, Danville, Pa (H.E.M.), and the Division of Research Administration, American Heart Association, Inc, Dallas, Tex (S.R.P.).
Correspondence to Howard E. Morgan, MD, Sigfried and Janet Weis Center for Research, Geisinger Clinic, Danville, PA 17822-2601.
Background The American Heart Association (AHA) and the Henrietta B. and Frederick H. Bugher Foundation in 1985 entered into a partnership to establish a group of Centers for Molecular Biology in the Cardiovascular System. The goal was to recruit and train young scientists with medical training to apply molecular and cellular biology knowledge and techniques to cardiovascular problems.
Methods and Results Six Centers have been awarded (three in 1986 and three in 1991), and a total of 110 trainees have been involved as of June 30, 1994. Of these trainees, 77 were recruited and trained by the 1986 Centers. As of June 1994, 88% of these trainees remained in academic medicine and 54% progressed to higher academic ranks; 79% published papers in science and 66% in molecular biology; and 36% obtained extramural funding for their work. On this basis, the 1986 trainees appear to be well on their way to becoming successful academic cardiologists.
Conclusions The AHA–Bugher Foundation Center program has produced a cadre of cardiovascular scientists who are applying molecular biology knowledge to both basic and clinical problems.
Key Words: AHA Medical/Scientific Statements • molecular biology • cells • cardiovascular diseases