News / Profession

NIH Selects Northwestern VP for Research Panel

Gert Bronfort, DC, PhD, vice president of research at Northwestern Health Sciences University, has been selected to serve on a panel of moderators for a National Institutes of Health (NIH) workshop on nonpharmacological treatments for back pain. The goal of the workshop is to identify and explore a range of important and timely clinical research questions related to non-drug interventions to treat back pain.

The one-day workshop is a collaborative effort between the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) and additional NIH institutes and centers. The discussion will help inform future research directions for NIH and the biomedical scientific field.

According to Dr. Bronfort, the NIH invitation gives Northwestern the opportunity and privilege to influence research priorities at NCCAM. "It is recognition that the work we do here is taken seriously," notes Dr. Bronfort, "And that we are regarded as a center where we can offer expert opinion on important research questions."

Many prominent researchers are presenting at the workshop, which will be held May 27, 2009, on the main NIH campus in Bethesda, Md. The role of the expert panel is to moderate and preside over the discussion. Dr. Bronfort will serve as the chair for one of the sessions, and also served on the selection committee for workshop presenters.

Dr. Bronfort has high expectations for the day: "I am anticipating that I can help craft a cooperative agreement with NIH to conduct research in chronic lower back pain. I am honored to be a part of this."

Source: Northwestern Health Sciences University.

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