MCW Cardiovascular Roadmap

Enhancing the capacity of multi-disciplinary translational research teams to employ findings into clinical practice

Full Project Name:The Cardiovascular Roadmap: Bridging our foundations to "signature programs"Principal Investigator:Ivor J. Benjamin, MD, MedicineAward Amount:$4,000,000

Award Date

July2014

Project Duration:90 months

Project Description Narrative:

While treatments for cardiovascular disease have improved dramatically in recent years, diseases of the heart and blood vessels continue to be the leading cause of death and disability in Wisconsin and throughout the U.S. In 2011, cardiovascular disease caused 13,797 deaths in Wisconsin, representing 29% of all deaths in the state.

This project seeks to build an infrastructure for translational research and community engagement that will impact clinical practice, education and prevention of cardiovascular disease in Wisconsin. This project will also pilot a "Human Induced Lluripotent Stem Cell (iPSC) Program" to increase the number of investigators performing translational research.

Outcomes & Lessons Learned:

Funding allowed the MCW Cardiovascular Center to build a foundation of services and resources for Center faculty, staff, and trainees who in turn provide patient care, educate future scientists and physicians, conduct life-saving cutting-edge cardiovascular research, and provide community outreach to better prevent, diagnose, and treat the number one cause of death in Wisconsin and world-wide
Funded research studies led to several promising lines of discovery, including research contributing to increased understanding of pediatric heart function
Promoted ongoing services of the MCW Cardiovascular Center to members, both clinicians and researchers, and supported new grants to build collaborative teamwork and leverage federal dollars
Launched educational workshops and other events to help train the next generation of cardiovascular scientists and physicians who will provide new knowledge and better clinical care to Wisconsin residents
Strengthened the infrastructure for cardiovascular translational research through the recruitment of new faculty and staff