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A Message from the Director |
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This past decade has witnessed unprecedented advances in our understanding of fundamental biological processes. Moreover, the recent sequencing of the human genome and related developments provide unlimited potential for expanding our knowledge of the molecular basis of a variety of major human diseases. However, the dilemmas of old and new diseases continue to challenge our best scientists and physicians, and most of the remarkable advances in biomedical research in recent years have yet to be translated into clinical practice. At the University of Virginia, faculty members are engaged in research on the most important problems in medical science. What are the basic molecular mechanisms that regulate growth and differentiation of cells, and how are these mechanisms perturbed in disease states? How do disease-causing organisms such as HIV interact with their hosts? What is the molecular basis of immune recognition and autoimmune disease? What innovative treatments and cures can be developed to reduce pain and suffering from diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, asthma, AIDS, and other diseases? The goal of our Molecular Medicine Program is to train outstanding Ph.D. level biomedical scientists who are uniquely qualified to work at the interface between basic science and clinical practice in either an academic or a commercial setting. We are looking for individuals who wish to pioneer major advances in the treatment, prevention, diagnosis, and cure of major human diseases through biomedical research. A unique aspect of the program is that students are jointly mentored by a basic biomedical research-scientist and a physician-scientist who work together to enhance the student's understanding and appreciation of the clinical relevance of their thesis project and its potential application toward advancing the practice of medicine. As you look through our web pages, we hope that you will sense the commitment of our faculty and students to their research, their dedication to excellence, and their enthusiasm for teaching and learning. Completion of a Molecular Medicine Ph.D. Program is not easy. Indeed, there are many long hours of study and many days and evenings in the laboratory. However, the rewards are significant in that there is little that can match the joy and excitement of discovery, the satisfaction of understanding a complex process, and the confidence that you are contributing to improvements in the health of mankind. We believe that the Molecular Medicine Graduate Program at the University of Virginia School of Medicine is absolutely unique in promoting training of individuals who can work at the translational interface. We are in the midst of the most exciting time in the history of biomedical research, and the potential for advancing not only our understanding of the molecular basis of human disease but also our ability to apply this knowledge towards developing new therapies, preventative measures, and cures. We invite you to join us in this exciting mission.
Gary Owens, Ph.D. |