Wylie Scholar Program Report
By: Vascular Cures Team
The most enduring contribution to medical innovation is the development of promising young surgeon scientists who bring the real-world problems of patients to their research. Yet sharp declines in research funding and the economics of today’s healthcare are making it increasingly difficult to pursue this career path. Vascular Cures’ Wylie Scholar award provides support to pursue innovative patient-centered research projects to successfully compete for subsequent grant funding and achieve leadership roles. This enables a lifetime of impact to improve the lives of patients.
Each year Vascular Cures awards a $150,000 three-year grant to an outstanding early-career surgeon-scientist with a demonstrated aptitude in vascular research, leadership, and promise in vascular surgery. Vascular Cures has supported 22 surgeon-scientists at 14 of the most highly regarded medical institutions in the United States and Canada. They have had exceptional achievements and many are presently chiefs of their divisions at world-class institutions. In addition, seven grantees are “second generation”, a tribute to the mentorship of earlier awardees. A number are on Vascular Cures’ key advisory boards. This report provides highlights their work and the additional funding obtained by those who have completed their three-year grant. For each $150,000 granted, those who have completed their three year term generated on average $3.5 million* in subsequent national research funding – a return on investment of 28 to 1*. This means more discoveries and innovations in patient care – transforming the lives of patients.
This would not have been possible without the Wylie Award and the important donors to Vascular Cures. The award is named in honor of Edwin J. Wylie, MD, a renowned pioneer in vascular surgery.
Since 2014, the Wylie Scholar award has been co-sponsored by the Society of Vascular Surgery (SVS). SVS seeks to advance excellence and innovation in vascular health through education, advocacy, research, and public awareness.
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To learn more about Vascular Cures’ Patients as Partners Program, please visit: https://vascularcures.org/patients-as-partners/