Internal Medicine Research
Internal Medicine is home to many world-renowned experts in medical care of oncology patients. What may not be as evident are its robust research operation and an appealing, stimulating environment for multifaceted quality research.
Several researchers, spread among the 10 departments of the division, are making significant discoveries that translate to advancement in the care and quality of life of our cancer patients.
Our groundbreaking research efforts towards Immuno-oncology Toxicity (IOTOX) treatment and management is nationally recognized. These cross-disciplinary efforts set benchmarks towards improving research and care of patients facing toxicity from immunotherapy and oncologic treatments.
Research Committee
The Internal Medicine Research Committee is charged with:
- Facilitating cross-divisional research collaborations
- Organizing a Divisional Research Retreat
- Identifying research-related issues across Internal Medicine for the purposes of communication, resolution, implementation and evaluation
- Reviewing and recommending research-related equipment requests, including annual capital equipment planning
- Overseeing the development and implementation of the divisional research equipment replacement plan when funding is identified
- Participating in the development of research-related portions of the division's strategic and annual operating plans
- Identifying and addressing issues related to faculty and trainee educational needs, the research process, and sponsored programs and activities
Research Committee Chair is Edwin Ostrin, M.D., assistant professor, General Internal Medicine. Deputy chair is Anita Deswal, M.D., professor and chair of Cardiology.
Distinguished Paper Award
The subcommittee ultimately determines two winners, one in basic science research and one in clinical research. These winners receive $500 and a framed award, which is displayed in the division office for one year prior to delivery.
The Internal Medicine Research Retreat & Poster session is hosted annually by the Internal Medicine division. This event is designed to encourage collaboration, highlight research accomplishments and provide opportunities for innovation and discovery.
The event takes place over the course of two days, beginning with a Poster Session where researchers are invited to present posters on their research. Trainees may compete for Poster Awards in the areas of basic science research, clinical research and quality improvement research. Five poster finalists are identified from abstract submissions prior to the event and then compete for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place awards in each of their respective areas.
The second day commences the Research Retreat with an invited keynote speaker who represents significant national contributions to oncologic research. Following the keynote address, the Cyrus Scholar Awards competition is held.
Cyrus Scholar Award Competition
The Michael and Mariet Cyrus Research Fund, established in 2005, promotes the development of basic and clinical research skills in internal medicine. Thanks to the generosity of the Cyrus family, two awards are given each year: a Cyrus Scholar Award for Outstanding Basic Research, and a James S. and Suzanne Cyrus Scholar Award for Outstanding Clinical Research.
The Cyrus Scholar Award competition takes place at the annual Internal Medicine Research Retreat, with three finalists each in the areas of basic science research and clinical research delivering presentations on their research. Each winner receives $15,000 ($5,000 each for three years).
Research Grand Rounds
Research Grand Rounds is a monthly hybrid event held in the Zayed Building to foster collaboration, cross-departmental research awareness, and highlight research contributions.
This lecture series consists of presentations from Internal Medicine division Principal Investigators and their research personnel on their ongoing research projects, an annual presentation of the basic science research winners of the Distinguished Paper Award and two external speaker presentations.
Internal Medicine Research and Quality Improvement Development Award
This award is a competitive, peer-reviewed award program. The major purpose of the program is to allow faculty to maintain their current clinical and/or research productivity and impact research initiatives or improve patient care and/or outcomes. To obtain funding, the faculty member must demonstrate that the overall proposal is innovative and its impact is measurable. The division has awarded a total of 13 awards totaling over $650,000.