Posts

Showing posts from September, 2018

Meeting of the Georgetown-MedStar Scientific Council


Last week, I was part of the second meeting of the Georgetown-MedStar Scientific Council. The Council serves as a forum to bridge the research communities of Georgetown University and MedStar Health, allowing leaders from both organizations to understand the research programs at both organizations. It is a chance for us to connect on our priorities and maximize research collaboration, integration, and support across both entities.


I am a co-chair of the Council, along with Dr. Robert Clarke, Dean for Research, Georgetown University Medical Center. This most recent meeting highlighted our recent partnership on a common IRB system.


Thank you to all who attended and I look forward to more productive discussions later this year.

Thanks to Dr. Al-Refaie for his Twitter photo! @wbalrefaie

Post a Comment
Read more

Landmark Cardiovasular Research


With the amount of clinical research that happens around the world, only a handful get picked up by mainstream media (i.e. not science or medical focused publications). So it was all the more surprising when I saw a cardiovascular study in the New York Times that not only I was a part of, but that was also supported by the Cardiovascular Core Lab at MedStar Washington Hospital Center.
You can read the NYTimes article here.

The positive patient outcomes of the COAPT study were published in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented at a recent conference prior to the article. The Core Lab served as the  imaging investigators for the ground-breaking study, for both qualifying patients to participate in the study and to determine the efficacy and safety review.


Smaller studies have been conducted to see if this device is a viable option for patients, but they have produced conflicting results. This study, with over 600 patients at 78 sites, is a milestone for treating heart failure. With the study showing positive patient outcomes and an increased quilaity of life for those patients, this research will help to advance the health of many patients in the future.

The story was also covered in MedPage today here.
Congratulations to the entire research team on this remarkable work!

Post a Comment
Read more

What does Labor Day mean to you?

Below is my monthly message for the September 2018 edition of the MHRI newsletter, Focus. You can view Focus online at MedStarResearch.org/FOCUS.
Dear Friends and Colleagues,


End of summer bbq, anyone?
(Photo by Jay Wennington on Unsplash)
Happy Labor Day weekend!

What does Labor Day mean to you?

For many, it is viewed as the end of summer as students head back to class.

For others, its one of the last chances to take a vacation, with more than 800,000 Washington area residents traveling 50 miles or more this weekend.

Some view it as a weekend for shopping. From end-of-season sales to routine household necessities, this is considered a big retail holiday.

In fact, Labor Day originated in 1882 in New York City with a picnic and demonstration by the Central Labor Union to recognize the social and economic achievements of American workers. It rapidly grew across 30 states when an act of Congress in 1894 made it a federal holiday to recognize and appreciate the efforts of our workforce.

On this Labor Day weekend, I’d like to thank each of you at MedStar for your dedication. MedStar continues our commitment to advance the health of our community through your work and achievements each day. None of our great work would be possible without YOU and for that, thank you!

Neil


Post a Comment
Read more

Labor Day 2018


This Labor Day, stop and smell the barbecue! Relax by the pool, and enjoy the last days of summer with those who motivate you to give your best at work all the time. Thank you for your commitment to our community and to advancing health. 

Happy Labor Day to you and yours from the Research Institute!


Post a Comment
Read more