The Division of Molecular Cardiology was created in July of 1999. The inception of this program was brought about through the combined efforts of The Texas A&M University System Health Science Center, College of Medicine; Scott & White; and the Department of Veterans' Affairs, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System. Dedicated on November 12, 1999, the center includes ~8500 square feet of laboratories, offices, and conference areas. Initial recruitment for the program was completed in August 2000. There are seven faculty members, with a full complement of postdoctoral fellows, research technicians, clinical faculty, medical residents and fellows, and medical and undergraduate students. The basic science faculty members are applying modern molecular and cellular approaches to diverse research problems in areas of cardiovascular function, cancer, and developmental biology. The center is affiliated with an AALAC accredited animal facility. Specific areas are detailed in the investigator's area of research interest which follows.

Mission of the Research Program

Initiation of the Molecular Cardiology Program was based on the potential to contribute to the patient care, education, and research missions of the organizations. Scott & White Clinic has a full complement of residents and fellows in training. Most of these programs require an opportunity for the trainees to participate in basic or clinical research. The Molecular Cardiology Program provides a locus for laboratory research training and supports clinical staff in their research efforts. An aggressive basic research initiative helps attract high quality applicants for Scott & White's residency and fellowship programs. When scientists in the Division of Molecular Cardiology publish data in high quality journals, significant visibility is added to the organizations. The patient care and education missions are enhanced by improved opportunities to recruit and retain clinical staff with an interest in research. Involvement of clinicians in basic research is encouraged by a Multidisciplinary Research Program, which provides substantial funding for translational research efforts. Staff members with clinical research efforts expand the range of possible treatments for Scott & White and the Olin Teague VA patients, by access to new drugs and devices, that would not otherwise be available. These physicians also publish their work in clinical journals and further enhance the organization's recognition as a site for postgraduate medical education. As future advances in molecular biology offer new possibilities for diagnosis and gene therapy of inborn errors of metabolism, cancer and other diseases, the availability of a strong research program within the organization, will facilitate the implementation of these approaches in the clinical care of patients at Scott & White and the Olin Teague VA.

Function of the Molecular Cardiology Program

There are three primary functions of the program. The pre-eminent function is to conduct original and innovative research of world-class quality. The second is to serve as a core resource of scientific expertise for all of Scott & White and the Olin Teague VA and to aid staff members in establishing their own research programs. The third function is to train young scientists in the laboratories of the Division of Molecular Cardiology and to participate in the training of Scott & White and Olin Teague VA physicians. The training function is implemented through provision of postdoctoral research training for Ph.D. and M.D. graduates, research experience during sabbatical leaves for faculty from colleges, both in this area and throughout the nation, and a summer program for undergraduate students.

The Molecular Cardiology Program is now nationally and internationally recognized in basic cellular and molecular research. With the current availability of new research space, expansion of the Program will be facilitated. With increasing emphasis on translational aspects of the Program, recruitment of clinician scientists will solidify the interactions that have already been established, between the clinical and basic research sides of the street.