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Council for American Medical Innovation Applauds Appointment of Geneticist Francis Collins to Head National Institutes of Health

Posted on: Friday, 10 July 2009, 19:36 CDT

WASHINGTON, July 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Council for American Medical Innovation today applauded President Obama's appointment of renowned geneticist Dr. Francis Collins to head the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090325/DC89081LOGO )

"Dr. Collins is both a friend to the Council and a true pioneer in medical innovation," said Council President Dick Gephardt. "His passion and understanding of the immense value and implications of medical research make him a most fitting choice to lead NIH."

As former director of the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), Dr. Collins oversaw an international effort of groundbreaking discoveries that led to the mapping of the genetic code, what Collins referred to as "the book of human life." His work has transformed medicine and contributed to medical treatments and advancements that were previously inconceivable.

Dr. Collins' leadership at the NIH is a positive sign for the future of medical research in America. He is a champion for medical research and has worked tirelessly to secure additional funds for the NIH that will allow the country's great scientists and researchers to make the monumental discoveries and advancements patients hope for.

Dr. Collins has supported the Council's efforts to make medical innovation a national priority. At a roundtable discussion hosted by the Council for American Medical Innovation in March, he underscored the need to build a robust pipeline of American researchers and students, attract the best and brightest foreign-born scientists, improve STEM education, increase research funding and maximize current scientific opportunities. "The call to action that this Council is making could not come at a more appropriate time," he said.

About the Council for American Medical Innovation

The United States faces serious challenges to maintaining its leadership position in innovation. The Council for American Medical Innovation is bringing together leaders in research, medicine, public health, academia, education, labor, and business, who are working in partnership toward a national policy agenda aimed at preserving U.S. leadership in medical innovation. American medical innovators create millions of high-paying jobs, and their discoveries are integral in the fight to cure cancer and other illnesses. The Council for American Medical Innovation views leadership in medical innovation as a key part of America's economic recovery, future prosperity and health.

For more information on the Council for American Medical Innovation, visit www.americanmedicalinnovation.org.

SOURCE Council for American Medical Innovation

Source: PR Newswire

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