To reach new heights, you need a strong purpose that guides and sustains you, particularly when there are many choices on how to invest in the future. To that end, our Northwestern Medicine values have never been clearer: We are an academic research center where the patient comes first. We are driven by our mission to transform the practice of medicine and profoundly impact human health beyond the individual patient. We adhere to an uncompromising code of ethics that emphasizes honesty and sincerity. We value teamwork over personal success. And in a quest for excellence, we continuously strive to be better.
Our ambitions are driven by our values. Since the opening of the Louis A. Simpson and Kimberly K. Querrey Biomedical Research Center building in 2019, we have endeavored to build phase two, the research tower. The tower remains the centerpiece of our growth strategy for creating an even greater academic medical center. Since the building opened in 2019, our total research awards have increased by $250 million, leaving no doubt that increased space is critical for sustained growth.
We currently have an interdisciplinary working group thinking about our vision for the tower and the many exciting possibilities for collaboration that may develop as plans evolve. Transformations like this require extensive effort – working to invest in our future without giving up our fundamental missions. In this issue you will read about possible collaborations the tower could enable in “Uniting Biomedical Research Across Northwestern” (page 18). I personally am eager to see these promising programs develop. Even as we plan for our future, research and education continue to thrive here in Chicago. For example, investigators in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics are making rapid progress as they uncover how cells adapt to changing conditions, unlocking new insights into key cellular processes and revealing potential therapeutic targets for diseases like cancer (page 14).
We are driven by our mission to transform the practice of medicine and profoundly impact human health beyond the individual patient. We adhere to an uncompromising code of ethics that emphasizes honesty and sincerity. We value teamwork over personal success. And in a quest for excellence, we continuously strive to be better.
Eric G. Neilson, MD
In another story on student research (page 21), we explore the programs and mentorships that have helped solidify Feinberg’s reputation as a highly regarded research-intensive institution. In fact, in just the previous academic year, 80 percent of our medical students graduated having submitted a first-authored manuscript to a peer-reviewed academic journal.
This issue also introduces our new chair of the Department of Preventive Medicine, Mercedes Carnethon, PhD, the embodiment of Feinberg’s commitment to in-depth scientific research that advances the treatment and prevention of chronic diseases.
And finally, on page 24 we examine the legacy of the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. It is a remarkable blueprint for those who never settle for excellence but always strive to be better.
The pursuit of excellence requires a learning organization grounded in leadership, innovation, and compassionate care that can translate new knowledge into better human health. As we are a growing institution, I can think of no better purpose to stand for.
Eric G. Neilson, MD
Vice President for Medical Affairs
Lewis Landsberg Dean
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
