Envision - Summer 2012 - (Page 11)

Foundation gift helps keep physicians focused on lifesaving research A Most Welcome Assist he attraction of top-ﬂight medical talent to Sarasota is the combination of many factors, not the least of which is a worldclass hospital that can support physicians’ practice of medicine. For many physicians, research also is an important interest and passion that requires support. The Center for Independent Physician Research—launched in fall 2011 and funded by Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation, Inc.— provides an experienced part-time research nurse for the growing number of physicians interested in conducting independent research. The physicians need help in a number of areas, from formulating their studies through statistical analysis, data management, and manuscript preparation and submission. “We have physicians with their own research interests, but until the Foundation came forward, we had no way to assist the doctors with this type of unsponsored local research,” explains Kirk Voelker, M.D., director of clinical research for Sarasota Memorial Health Care System. “We want to continue to attract physicians with academic backgrounds who may also have private practices but want to stay involved in some aspect of research,” says Dr. Voelker. “It is important to encourage those interests, because that can translate into progress in a number of areas. “It is attractive to physicians to have research generated from Sarasota and from Sarasota Memorial. Plus, it puts us on the map, earns recognition for the physicians and the hospital, and rounds us out as an institution.” Patients will beneﬁt from improved datadriven clinical practice and the publication of research papers. T 11 A Track Record of Success Through its clinical research department, Sarasota Memorial has successfully conducted clinical trials for major pharmaceutical companies and device manufacturers for many years, and in several cases, is the No. 1 enroller of patients in the United States. “The physician-driven independent research program has the potential to grow signiﬁcantly with important studies from some of our best local medical minds,” says Dr. Voelker. Improving Care PHOTOGRAPH (TOP) BY THINKSTOCK In the ﬁrst six months, the Center for Independent Physician Research has helped almost a dozen physicians with research projects that have the potential to improve patient care locally and nationally. The studies include using ofﬁce-based electronic medical records systems to track falls among one physician’s patients; improving total knee replacement procedures; and using a CO2 laser in the laparoscopic treatment of endometriosis. Kirk Voelker, M.D., director of clinical research for Sarasota Memorial Health Care System YOUR GIFT MAKES RESEARCH POSSIBLE Support research programs at Sarasota Memorial by making a gift to the Foundation. Save money and time by giving online at smhf.org. http://www.smhf.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Envision - Summer 2012

Envision - Summer 2012
Opening Thoughts
Contents
Health Beat
Setting the Table
Timing Is Everything
Planned Giving
A Most Welcome Assist
Community-Based Cancer Care
Earlier Diagnosis, Earlier Treatment
A Community Legacy
At the Frontier of Brain Research
A Roaring Good Time
Nutrition
News and Events

Envision - Summer 2012