The University Medical School expects to see research opportunities expand thanks to a new partnership with the Eastern Virginia Medical School.
University researchers will benefit from access to the large number of residents who live in eastern Virginia via the EVMS partnership, according to Ronald Turner, associate dean for clinical research at the University.
"One of the weaknesses that we see is we have a small patient population," Turner said. "Opening up access to a major population center has great benefits."
The partnership stems from a National Institute of Health funding mandate requiring researchers to demonstrate the relevance of their work, as well as encouragement from University officials to seek partnership opportunities with EVMS.
According to Turner, it was largely the desire to further translational research, or the translating of laboratory discoveries into benefits for patients, that prompted the agreement. He pointed out that the Medical School's strong basis in scientific research and the clinical infrastructure of EVMS will help both schools convert their research into information that can be used to improve medical care.
EVMS Dean and Provost Gerald J. Pepe echoed Turner's enthusiasm for the partnership.
"We both bring a lot of strengths together," he said. "The size [of the school] doesn't matter -- it's the opportunities to do the research."
The partnership will strengthen the clinical program in both schools, according to Sharon Hostler, Medical School interim dean and vice president.
The agreement "allows us to collaborate on clinical trials, particularly in research with large populations," Hostler said.
While the agreement is set for five years, Turner said the partnership could last longer, noting "we don't expect that it will necessarily go away in five years."
Pepe noted that the memorandum of understanding ensures collaboration between the schools, regardless of changes in administration at either school.
Although the partnership does not officially include a financial commitment, Turner said the schools will hire a research coordinator who will be based at the EVMS campus in Norfolk but funded by both institutions.
University Provost Arthur Garson, who previously served as the Medical School dean, was involved in the 18-month process of developing the partnership.
Garson called the opportunity to work with EVMS "ideal" because of the school's superb faculty and metropolitan location.
Hostler said the agreement combines the strengths of the two schools, adding "this is an opportunity to mold the best of both worlds"
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