Rush University Internist Aims to Launch Research Institute Amidst Growing Competition

The quest for funding in the medical research field is becoming increasingly challenging, as evident from the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) recent announcement that it awarded funds to only 18 percent of applicants in the 2011 fiscal year. This rate is the lowest since at least 1997, according to NIH data. In response to this trend, Dr. Jochen Reiser, head of internal medicine at Rush University Medical Center, is planning to launch a research institute that will focus on discovering treatments for various illnesses.

The new institute, which is expected to cost around $10 million to establish, will bring together as many as 30 faculty members from different disciplines to work on projects ranging from cancer to cardiovascular diseases. The goal is to make the institute financially self-sustaining within three years through a combination of charitable donations and government grants.

Reiser, who holds medical and doctorate degrees from Ruprecht Karls University in Heidelberg, Germany, has a proven track record in establishing research institutes. He founded a similar institution at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, where he served as interim chairman of medicine and vice chairman of research.

The new institute is part of Rush's long-term vision to become a more prominent player in medical research. According to Dr. Reiser, 'We need to have a strong research nucleus as we are positioning ourselves for the future.' He believes that having a robust research program will not only attract top-tier professors but also patients seeking cutting-edge treatments.

In addition to its focus on general medicine, the institute may also explore topics such as aging, with a goal of better understanding how to care for people as they grow older. This area is likely to be particularly important in the coming years, given the growing elderly population and the need for more effective ways to manage age-related health issues.

Rush University Medical Center is not alone in its efforts to boost research funding. Other Chicago-area universities and academic medical centers are also investing in their research programs, which will likely increase competition for grants from organizations like the NIH.

Despite the challenges ahead, Dr. Reiser remains optimistic about the potential benefits of his research institute. 'If they are making an effort, I think clearly you've seen they're not alone,' he said, referencing the growing number of institutions seeking funding for their research initiatives.

The launch of Rush University's new research institute is expected to have a significant impact on the medical research landscape in Chicago and beyond. With its focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative approaches to disease treatment, the institute has the potential to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and contribute significantly to the advancement of medical knowledge.

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