Illinois Medicine

nized," says cardiology chief Dudley. "We're known nationally scientifi- cally but not as well known in our own backyard." One proof of Dudley's statement is in the center's collabora- tions with other medical institutions that have sought to team with the College of Medicine on important research. While the CCVR has partnerships with each of the other medical schools in the Chicago area, the influence of the center extends well beyond the region, with active collaborations held with medical schools around the country and internationally. The CCVR also partners with similar bodies on campus, for example working actively with the Center for Clinical and Translational Science at the College of Medicine, which similarly focuses on collab- orative, multidisciplinary and state-of-the-art research. As part of this collaboration with both the CCTS and the section of endocrinology, Lewandowski is leading a team of investigators who are studying inter- organ responses to disease. Lewandowski says the CCVR is investigating the cardiac side of that issue, while outgoing CCTS Director Theodore Mazzone, MD, chief of the section of endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism, is working on the endocrine adipose responses. "Together, we are investigating how the heart and other internal organs interact and respond to changes induced by the presence of disease in any one organ," Lewandowski says. "This is really the most modern approach in studying integrated systems and mechanisms of disease, which is facilitated by these types of centers and one that is generating a good measure of interest from NIH." Lewandowski hopes the CCVR will one day boast a new build- ing. In the meantime, he and his staff are planning the center's annual Research Day on Aug. 12, when acclaimed researcher and College of Medicine alumnus Daniel P. Kelly '78, MD '82, scientific director at the Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute in Orlando, Fla., will speak. "We're the 800-pound gorilla," Lewandowski says. "If you're interested in the heart," adds Solaro, "this is the place to be." SAVE THE DATE: CCVR Research Day will be held Aug. 12. Guest speaker Daniel P. Kelly '78, MD '82, will focus on "Control of Cardiac Mitochondrial Function in Health and Disease," while R. John Solaro, PhD, will address "Translational Medicine and Cardiac Sarcomeres." To RSVP for the event, please e-mail vonaire@uic.edu. H IMPROVING STATE OF THE STATE AVING A NATIONAL LEADER in cardiovascular research based at the College of Medicine is a boon to the state, city and the university's own patients, notes Vice Chancellor for Research Joe G.N. "Skip" Garcia, MD, who has championed the Center for Cardiovascular Research because of how expeditiously its findings can be integrated into clinical work. "As part of our mission, we have an important focus on providing un- derserved patients with cost-effective and high-quality care," he says. "The center is a great example of bringing that newfound scientific knowledge to the quality of life and care of the patients we serve." A look at the ravages of cardio- vascular disease in Illinois alone speaks clearly to just how crucial a role the center can play in public health: n Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Illinois, averaging 42,000 deaths annually. n The tab for health care costs related to heart disease and stroke are about $4 billion annually in Illinois. n More than 3.6 million adults in Illinois alone are considered obese. AS FOR CHICAGO, Terry Vanden Hoek, MD, chair of the department of emer- gency medicine, notes the center's presence here is strategically crucial. "From my perspective, having a place like the CCVR in Chicago is very important," he says. "If you look at the cardiac survival rates in the U.S., Chi- cago's rates of less than 5 percent are low. Part of the reason is that, in a big city, it's hard to get to cardiac arrest victims in a timely fashion. "However, there is tremendous opportunity to improve outcomes in Chicago," he adds. My hope is that the CCVR can help play a leader- ship role in developing new treat- ment that improves CPR survival. This bringing together of scientists and health care providers can make significant strides in treating a major public health problem." 30 | SUMMER 2 011

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