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Every winter, medical schools across the country eagerly await the release of research rankings that show how far we compare to other universities. The Blue Ridge Medical Institute calculates the numbers based on funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and compares the amount of funding it receives competitively through grants.
Once again this year, the University of Minnesota Medical School was ranked in the top 25 of all medical schools in the United States and in the top 10 of public medical schools. Why is this important? These are important external resources that we bring to Minnesota to support research and discoveries that lead to healthier lives and better health care.
Medical schools across the country are competing for similar outside funding and talented professionals. The University must demonstrate that our team, this institution, and our state can provide an environment for groundbreaking research and innovative care that is not possible elsewhere. That’s what academic health and medicine is all about: the relentless pursuit of better care and outcomes for patients.
Our mission-driven work in Minnesota was significantly supported in 2016 by targeted state funding to develop medical discovery teams. These teams of leading researchers and physicians are focused on her four key priorities for the province: reducing the effects of aging, combating the scourge of addiction, protecting brain health, and promoting rural and Indigenous health. targets the problem. Thanks to the state’s support, we have brought top-class doctors and scientists to Minnesota who work for the health of Minnesotans.
These leaders and the research funding they generate are helping addiction teams studying non-invasive brain stimulation approaches to combat drug abuse and potentially ready for clinical trials to determine efficacy. Aging teams have uncovered new treatments and are showing promising results. About the aging process.
Since 2017, when these experts began arriving at the university, the School of Medicine has increased its NIH award from $143 million to $295 million in 2023. This is a 107% increase in funding compared to a period when the overall NIH budget increased by only $43. % — Shows that we outperformed many of our peers.
These grants reflect the medical and health education mission of the University of Minnesota, collaborating with the state’s top hospitals and health systems, world-renowned industries within the medical array, and supporting policy leaders at all levels. Masu. The university has been able to leverage the benefits of a comprehensive health sciences university to address some of the state’s toughest challenges.
But that’s not all. As someone who cares for children with cancer, I can tell you that his chances of survival have improved from less than 60% in 1975 to nearly 85% in 2022.
There is a noticeable improvement, but it’s not enough. As standard treatment yields an 85% chance of success, academic medicine advances toward achieving his 100% survival rate. We increase that rate through careful, funded research that improves outcomes for all children.
Achieving the highest standards for all Minnesotans is critical. Attracting and retaining talented faculty allows us to provide the primary care and life-changing advances our patients need. The research and discoveries of leading physician-scientists also attract talented students who go on to become physicians caring for Minnesota’s families and communities. Almost 70% of the people currently caring for people in Minnesota have studied or trained at the University of Minnesota.
Continuing this effort into the future requires continued and strong state support. Maintaining research leadership and competitiveness is critical to ensuring that the next generation is fully equipped to sustain a healthy Minnesota.
AS Dr. Jakub Toral is the University of Minnesota Medical Director and Vice President for Clinical Affairs.
