Retreats to Stimulate Cross-Disciplinary Translational Research Collaborations: Medical University of South Carolina CTSA Pilot Project Program Initiative

Author(s):  
Damayanthi Ranwala ◽  
Anthony J. Alberg ◽  
Kathleen T. Brady ◽  
Jihad S. Obeid ◽  
Randal Davis ◽  
...  
2016 ◽  
Vol 65 (2) ◽  
pp. 382-390 ◽  
Author(s):  
Damayanthi Ranwala ◽  
Anthony J Alberg ◽  
Kathleen T Brady ◽  
Jihad S Obeid ◽  
Randal Davis ◽  
...  

To stimulate the formation of new interdisciplinary translational research teams and innovative pilot projects, the South Carolina Clinical and Translational Research (SCTR) Institute (South Carolina Clinical and Translational Science Award, CTSA) initiated biannual scientific retreats with ‘speed dating’ networking sessions. Retreat themes were prioritized based on the following criteria; cross-cutting topic, unmet medical need, generation of novel technologies and methodologies. Each retreat begins with an external keynote speaker followed by a series of brief research presentations by local researchers focused on the retreat theme, articulating potential areas for new collaborations. After each session of presentations, there is a 30 min scientific ‘speed dating’ period during which the presenters meet with interested attendees to exchange ideas and discuss collaborations. Retreat attendees are eligible to compete for pilot project funds on the topic of the retreat theme. The 10 retreats held have had a total of 1004 participants, resulted in 61 pilot projects with new interdisciplinary teams, and 14 funded projects. The retreat format has been a successful mechanism to stimulate novel interdisciplinary research teams and innovative translational research projects. Future retreats will continue to target topics of cross-cutting importance to biomedical and public health research.


Author(s):  
Perry Halushka ◽  
Tammy L. Loucks ◽  
Rechelle Paranal ◽  
Jillian Harvey ◽  
Kristen Briggman ◽  
...  

Abstract The mission of the National Center for Advancing Translational Science (NCATS) is to speed the development of drugs from discovery to approval to dissemination and implementation. The Medical University of South Carolina and the South Carolina Clinical and Translational Research Institute host a NCATS funded predoctoral T32 training grant (TL1) with a focus on translational research. Doctoral (PhD) trainees working at the bench usually have limited opportunity for clinical interactions to gain a clinical perspective on the diseases that are the focus of their dissertation research. To provide TL1 trainees with an opportunity to see how their research could be translated into improved patient care, we developed a mentored clinical exposure experience named the Translational Sciences Clinic. Trainees spend one-half day a week in a clinic related to their basic science research for one semester interacting with patients and clinical mentors and discuss the most recent literature related to the patient’s clinical problem with their clinical mentor. Trainees deemed the rotation to be one of the most rewarding experiences that they had as a part of their predoctoral training. Participating clinical mentors were also very enthusiastic and agreed that they would be willing to mentor similar trainees again.


2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (6) ◽  
pp. 155798832097923
Author(s):  
Chanita Hughes Halbert ◽  
Caitlin G. Allen ◽  
Melanie Jefferson ◽  
Gayenell S. Magwood ◽  
Cathy Melvin ◽  
...  

The Transdisciplinary Collaborative Center (TCC) in Precision Medicine for Minority Men’s Health was established at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in 2015 to address disparities in the translation of precision medicine approaches among racial minority groups. This regional consortium focuses on three primary areas: (1) the development of a consortium of regional and national partners, (2) conducting transdisciplinary research examining synergistic effects of biological, social, physiological, and clinical determinants of chronic disease risks and outcomes, and (3) dissemination and implementation of precision medicine approaches, with an emphasis on reducing disparities in health care and outcomes among minority men. Given consistent calls to better translate precision medicine approaches and the focus of this consortium on addressing disparities among minority men, we provide an overview of our experience in developing the MUSC TCC, including barriers and facilitators to conducting translational research on minority men’s health issues in the context of precision medicine. Lessons learned and areas for improvement include providing enough time to create consistent partnerships and community engagement to improve recruitment and retention, identifying unique ways to engage diverse partners from across the region and nation, and better approaches to dissemination and communication for large partnerships focusing on precision medicine.


PEDIATRICS ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 98 (2) ◽  
pp. 268-268
Author(s):  
C. P. Darby

We must be aware that freedom from organic disease alone can not be our goal. The optimal functioning of the individual must be our aim, and that it occur in an environment conducive to a fuller life. We must be aware that man does not live by bread alone, nor by his antihypertensive pill alone. We must be citizens of the community, helping to make it a better place for the raising of our children, for a fuller educational opportunity, for the development of the arts and other cultural aspects which help raise man above the level of animal life. Thus, the making of a doctor almost begins at his mother's knee. Nurtured further by society and its educational and Cultural institutions, he is finally given a privilege by society, to act in a responsible way in furthering the health, both physical and mental, of those he calls his patients. (Delivered to medical students and faculty, School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, May 1976 by Mitchell I. Rubin, MD, Emeritus Professor of Pediatrics, State University of New York at Buffalo, and Consultant in Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina).


2019 ◽  
pp. 001857871988890
Author(s):  
Lauren A. Endriukaitis ◽  
Genevieve L. Hayes ◽  
Jason Mills

Background: The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) implemented changes to the reimbursement scheme for 340B-acquired medications on January 1, 2018, reducing payments by approximately 25%. It was recognized that these changes would have a significant fiscal impact to Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Health. The purpose of this assessment was to review the financial impact of changes in Medicare reimbursement for clinic-administered medications. Methods: This study was a single-center, retrospective, financial evaluation of closed outpatient encounters for Medicare beneficiaries in calendar year 2018. Actual reimbursement was calculated for 2018. To better characterize the margin obtained, exploratory analyses were completed to identify best- and worst-case reimbursement outcomes. This exploratory analysis was conducted for both the new (ASP-22.5%) and old (ASP+6%) reimbursement schemes. Results: Overall, 10 973 encounters were reviewed for inclusion. Ultimately, 8028 encounters were included in the final analysis. Of all encounters, 88 unique medications were administered. Most of the drugs (55%) were associated with oncologic indications. An unfavorable variance was found in 3761 encounters (47%). The actual reimbursement margin for 2018 was $3 193 525. Conclusion: Changes to reimbursement outlined by the CMS at the start of 2018 resulted in decreased reimbursement for 340B-eligible, clinic-administered medications. Most of the unfavorable variances were associated with 340B acquisition prices that exceeded reimbursement. Although the original intent of the 340B Drug Pricing Program was to stretch federal resources, decreased payments could reduce institutional ability to fund programs that support medically vulnerable populations.


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