Council for American Medical Innovation Congratulates Francis Collins on Senate Confirmation as NIH Chief

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Council for American Medical Innovation Congratulates Francis Collins on

Senate Confirmation as NIH Chief

WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 14, 2009)  The Council for American Medical Innovation congratulates renowned geneticist Dr. Francis Collins on his Senate confirmation as director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

"Dr. Francis Collins' new role as head of NIH is welcomed by all who support medical research and innovation in the United States," said Debra Lappin, president of the Council.  "As a champion for science and discovery he has worked tirelessly to ensure America's best and brightest have the resources needed to innovate, make new discoveries, and transform medicine.  We congratulate him on his new position, and look forward to working together with the NIH to encourage the continued growth of U.S. medical innovation."

"Dr. Francis Collins has blazed a trail forward for American medical innovation," said Richard Gephardt, chairman of the Council.  "From his leadership of the international effort to map the human genetic code, to his work to secure more funding for science and medical research in the United States, Dr. Collins' efforts are heroic.  Much like the astronauts who first landed on the moon a generation ago, his accomplishments are an inspiration to our nation.  We applaud his confirmation to head the NIH wholeheartedly."

Dr. Collins has supported the Council's efforts to make medical innovation a national priority.  At a roundtable discussion hosted by the Council for American Medical Innovation in March, he underscored the need to build a robust pipeline of American researchers and students, attract the best and brightest foreign-born scientists, improve STEM education, increase research funding and maximize current scientific opportunities. "The call to action that this Council is making could not come at a more appropriate time," he said.

About the Council for American Medical Innovation

The United States faces serious challenges to maintaining its leadership position in innovation.  The Council for American Medical Innovation is bringing together leaders in research, medicine, public health, academia, education, labor, and business, who are working in partnership toward a national policy agenda aimed at preserving U.S. leadership in medical innovation.  American medical innovators create millions of high-paying jobs, and their discoveries are integral in the fight to cure cancer and other illnesses.  The Council for American Medical Innovation views leadership in medical innovation as a key part of America's economic recovery, future prosperity and health.

For more information on the Council for American Medical Innovation, visit www.americanmedicalinnovation.org.