Wednesday, February 11, 2015ROOTSTOWN, Ohio -- Northeast Ohio Medical University and the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center have signed a memorandum of understanding that outlines a plan for coordination and collaboration on projects of mutual interest.
The memorandum will help both institutions improve the health status of veterans through an established research affiliation, the university said.
“The signing of this memorandum of understanding marks an important milestone in furthering the development of Northeast Ohio Medical University’s research enterprise,” said Dr. Walter E. Horton Jr., vice president for research and dean of the College of Graduate Studies. “This partnership has opened the door to a myriad opportunities that will further enhance the health and well-being of those who have served our country through innovative research.”
The memorandum will enable joint appointment of senior investigators by both institutions. Ongoing collaboration between Neomed and Cleveland VA Medical Center will be accomplished by providing Veterans Affairs laboratory facilities, equipment, resources and funding support to VA-affiliated Neomed faculty members as well as joint strategic scientific oversight.
A driving force behind the establishment of the agreement is the leadership and research of Dr. Min You, chair of the department of pharmaceutical sciences and associate dean for research in the Neomed College of Pharmacy. You’s prior relationship with the Department of Veterans Affairs and research on alcoholic fatty liver disease played a pivotal role in cultivating a partnership with the medical center, Neomed said.
"I’m thrilled that Dr. You’s research is leading the way on this new collaborative research venture," said Dr. Charles Taylor, dean of the College of Pharmacy. "We believe that sharing resources will draw on the strengths and expertise of the two organizations while accelerating medical discoveries, and Dr. You’s initiatives will lay the groundwork for future collaborative efforts."
You’s research, which examines the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of alcoholic fatty liver, has earned her extensive funding from the National Institutes of Health. This common form of liver disease affects a number of veterans each year, specifically in its early stages of cirrhosis and alcoholic hepatitis, making alcoholic fatty liver disease a major concern for veterans’ health.
Pictured: The New Center at the Northeast Ohio College of Medicine in Rootstown.
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
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