CUIMC Rallies on the Capitol for Research Funding

Earlier this fall, members of Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC) community joined hundreds of advocates from across the nation to advocate for medical research. The annual Rally for Medical Research (RFMR) began in 2013 in response to threatened cuts to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) budget. The inaugural rally was such a success that organizers decided to do it every year.  After COVID-19 prompted a hiatus, the rally returned in person in 2022. CUIMC is a gold sponsor of the rally where our investment is used to support and sustain the efforts of medical research advocates.

This year’s RFMR began with a training for newer attendees to equip them with the tools and confidence to champion this important cause. The rally also hosted a Congressional reception where supporters, including U.S. Representatives David Trone (D-MD) and Fred Upton (R-MI), spoke about the importance of maintaining annual sustaining and consistent increases to the NIH budget. Also at the reception were Acting NIH Director and Columbia College of Dental Medicine alumnus Lawrence A. Tabak, DDS, PhD, and Francis S. Collins, MD, PhD, former director of the NIH and now acting science advisor to the president.

The CUIMC contingent, which included: Ross Frommer, Vice President and Associate Dean of the Office of Government and Community Affairs, David M. Kalfa, MD, PhD, Surgical Director, Initiative for Pediatric Cardiac Innovation, Director, Kalfa research lab, Susann W. Miles of CUIMC Facilities, Jahneille Edwards also of Government and Community Affairs and Leah A. Marsot-Shiffman a student at Mailman School of Public Health, joined colleagues from across New York State to add their voices to push for an increase to NIH funding. Armed with personal stories about the impact of medical research on their careers and personal lives, the delegation painted a picture of the importance of NIH funding. Furthering cures for diseases from Alzheimer's to Zika virus, all advocates spoke to their Senate and House members to thank them for their past support and remind them that biomedical research is on the forefront of the fight for hope and extending life for many Americans. The specific requests to members of Congress included pledges for their continued support and encouragement for an increase of the NIH’s base budget to at least $49 billion, a $4.1 billion increase for FY 2023.

Participants also heard a panel discussion on patient advocacy, moderated by Dr. David Kalfa. The panel discussion can be viewed here.

Participants met with members of the New York Congressional delegation, who expressed support for the NIH and pledged to try to increase funding.

The 2023 rally will most likely be held next September.