VCOM 2017 Annual Report

inspired by innovation

AUBURN Kenny Brock, DVM, PhD Associate Dean for Biomedical Division and Research

college initiative for research seed funding I n July 2016, the VCOM Research Division and administration rolled out the Research Eureka Accelerator Program (REAP), a funding mechanism to stimulate new research projects. REAP provides seed funding to develop preliminary data that leads to sustainable, externally funded projects and impactful peer-reviewed publications. The application was designed to emulate that of a traditional National Institutes of Health (NIH) application, to give applicants experience in writing NIH-style applications and benefit from an NIH-style review. A total of 24 applications were submitted from VCOM campuses this year, with 14 being awarded.

V COM–Auburn faculty are working in partnership with outside institutions, such as Auburn University. Orthopedics researchers in sports medicine and osteopathic medicine have joined VCOM and Auburn University School of Kinesiology, as well as Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics Center. Other initiatives include research in medical genetics and primary care medicine, and studying the effects of chronic disease in rural populations. The Motion Analysis Research Laboratory is a collaborative initiative with the Jack Hughston Foundation. VCOM is facilitating motion analysis research, which involves collaborations with Hughston Clinic Orthopaedic faculty and residents, and in osteopathic manipulative medicine.

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