A special event focused on the impact of clinical trials and titled “Research in Your Backyard” was held on Thursday, December 12, 2013, at the Sheraton Burlington Hotel and Conference Center. 

Collaboratively presented by the Vermont Biosciences Alliance, University of Vermont College of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, the panel discussion provided an overview of clinical trials in Vermont and their importance in offering both cutting-edge treatments to patients, as well as economic opportunities to our communities. Designed to inform and educate policy makers, patient advocates, and the business community about the role of UVM and Fletcher Allen Health Care – Vermont’s academic medical center – plays in providing those opportunities, “Research in Your Backyard” featured the perspectives of UVM medical researchers working on the front lines of the latest discoveries in treatment.

Following a welcome by Betsy Bishop, board member of Vermont Biosciences Alliance and president of the Vermont State Chamber of Commerce, attendees viewed a short video on clinical trials. Ira Bernstein, M.D., senior associate dean for research and chair of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at the UVM College of Medicine, provided an overview of clinical research and trials and served as moderator for the panel discussion. Panelists included: 

  • James Boyd, M.D., Associate Professor of Neurological Sciences, UVM College of Medicine, and neurologist at Fletcher Allen Health Care

  • Michael J. O’Connor, Parkinson's Disease Patient and Immediate Past-President, Vermont Chapter, American Parkinson’s Disease Association

  • William Chin M.D., Executive Vice President of Science and Regulatory Affairs, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) 

  • Beth Kirkpatrick, M.D., Professor of Medicine and Director, Vaccine Testing Center, UVM College of Medicine, and Fletcher Allen infectious disease specialist

  • William R. Church, Ph.D., Founder and President, Green Mountain Antibodies.

  • David Schneider, M.D., Professor of Medicine and Director of Cardiovascular Medicine, UVM College of Medicine and Fletcher Allen. 

Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin delivered remarks during the panel discussions. For more information, visit the Vermont Biosciences Alliance website.

PUBLISHED

12-11-2013
Jennifer Nachbur