NIGMS Invests in Scientific Grand Opportunities with Recovery Act Funds

The National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is investing $42.3 million for grants in scientific areas it identified as "Grand Opportunities (GO)." NIH developed the GO grant program to stimulate biomedical research and the economy using funds provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act).

Locally, a $1.3 million grant has been awarded to Dr. Jeffrey MacKeigan of the VanAndel Institute. He will study colon cancer cells' genetic makeup and how they develop a resistance to chemotherapy, with a view to more effective treatment of this disease. Colon cancer kills some 50,000 people a year. MacKeigan says, "92% of colon cancer patients do not live more than five years" (GR Press). He believes his research may significantly affect these outcomes. MacKeigan also says that outcomes for other cancers (ovarian and breast, for instance) may be affected by this research study.

When most people decide to take a long distance trip all they have to do is either hop in the automobile or purchase an airline ticket; but it’s not that simple for everyone.

When our nephew Jake, who lives in Oregon, decided to visit us for a week this summer in Arkansas, there were hurdles he had to overcome.   He could not just hop in his automobile and go, he could not just call a travel agent or even purchase a ticket online without first doing some other things.

New Trends In Diabetic Care

As the parent of a child with diabetes, I can tell you first hand how one of the newest medical products -- the insulin pump -- has revolutionized diabetes care and changed our lives.

Gone are the days of painful, multiple injections and guessing how much insulin she will need at night to keep her regulated.  It’s hard enough to give your own child injections, and with the invention of the insulin pump neither the school nurse, a friend’s parent, nor we ourselves should ever need to do so.

The Women’s Health Center of West Michigan

The exuberant growth along the medical mile has extended its long arm to women with the opening of the Women’s Health Center of West Michigan, a beautiful complex located at 555 MidTowne Street NE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503. 

Within this gorgeous new building is Grand Rapids Women’s Health, PC, a recent amalgamation of three different practices: Grand Valley Gynecologists, PC, Knollcrest OB/GYN, PC, and Newton, Frank, and Blickley OB/GYN, PC.

Marianne Melnik, MD, has joined the Spectrum Health Medical Group effective today.

"We are pleased to welcome Dr. Melnik to our group," said James M. Tucci, MD, MMM, president, Spectrum Health Medical Group. "Dr. Melnik brings outstanding skills and experience in the critical area of surgical oncology, particularly in breast care."

September 1, 2009

David Scheeres, MD, has joined the Spectrum Health Medical Group effective today.

"We are pleased to welcome Dr. Scheeres to our group," said James M. Tucci, MD, MMM, president, Spectrum Health Medical Group. "Dr. Scheeres brings invaluable experience as a general surgeon and medical educator that will help reinforce our comprehensive, patient-centered care and our academic aspirations."

An obstetrics nurse (a labor and delivery nurse) who is also a certified mid-wife, whom I will call Susan, graciously granted me an interview regarding some of the current changes she sees in obstetrics.