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Feature Articles: Research Day 1999

Associate Editor's Note
Once again, the July issue of Jacksonville Medicine is devoted to the presentation of the proceedings of the University of Florida Annual Research Day. Established 5 years ago, Research Day has become an exciting event with the enthusiastic participation of residents, fellows, graduate students, faculty, community physicians, health care alliances and industry.

The University of Florida Annual Research Day is designed to recognize the scholarly activities of our young investigators and to foster the spirit of collaboration and networking among our researchers. It is also provides an opportunity to educate our trainees and the community about the importance of research in our lives. It is intended to recognize the importance of following established guidelines to conduct meaningful investigational work. The 5 hour registration free CME accredited program entitled "Fundamentals of Clinical Research" served this purpose. We were also fortunate to have Dr. Kenneth Berns, Interim Vice President for the Health Science Center and the Dean of the College of Medicine present an overview on a topic entitled "From Basic Virology to Human Gene Therapy", which was well received.

On Research day, we also recognize a faculty member for his/her contribution to the research in our institution. This year Dr. Niranjan Kissoon, Professor of Pediatrics and Dr. Luis Sanchez-Ramos, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology shared the "Researcher of the Year Award." Dr. Kissoon and Dr. Sanchez-Ramos have both demonstrated excellence in research in their areas of interest.

Another exciting event in this year's Research Day was the official opening of a new facility for early-stage (Phase I) clinical trials at the University of Florida Health Science Center/Jacksonville. This center is a partner with a similar unit, which was initiated on the Gainesville campus last September. The Phase I Clinical Trial Unit, located in a wing of University Medical Center, will provide an opportunity for greater collaboration among Gainesville and Jacksonville physicians and is an ideal setting for the city of Jacksonville to recruit pharmaceutical and biomedical companies. We believe that this is truly an asset to this community, not only because it enhances our capabilities for contributing to important research, but because it puts us at the forefront of the latest drug protocols that ultimately may enhance or save people's lives.

On a personal note, I would like to express my gratitude to the members of the Journal and Communications Committee of the Duval County Medical Society for providing an opportunity to share with you the product of our efforts, of which we are very proud. My sincere thanks also to the judges for selecting the best poster and oral presentations and also the Researcher of the Year Award.

Please be advised that because of the heterogeneity of the subjects presented in this issue of Jacksonville Medicine, no CME questions have been provided.

Shahla Masood, MD
Professor and Associate Chair, Department of Pathology
Assistant Dean for Research, University of Florida Health Science Center
Chief of Pathology, University Medical Center

July, 1999/ Jacksonville Medicine

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