MCW Cardiovascular Center Receives Grant from A. O. Smith Foundation to Create Fellowship Scholars Program Grant
The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) Cardiovascular Center is the recipient of a grant from the A. O. Smith Foundation which will support the creation of the A. O. Smith Fellowship Scholars Program. This unique program is designed to support talented cardiovascular researchers and physicians in an innovative educational program that aims to provide mentoring, training, research support, and the necessary resources to overcome the barriers that exist to launching and sustaining a successful research career.
“This contribution provides an unprecedented opportunity to establish our program and support the next generation of talented physicians and scientists whose research could bring about the next treatment that saves a life or prevents a disability caused by cardiovascular disease,” says Ivor J. Benjamin MD, FAHA, FACC, director of the Cardiovascular Center and professor of medicine at MCW. “The support of the A. O. Smith Foundation demonstrates the strong institutional commitments our innovative training programs have from the community and highlight the ongoing legacy of A. O. Smith as a valued partner.”
The Cardiovascular Center at MCW has a long-standing tradition in cardiovascular sciences stemming from fundamental biology and physiology to cutting edge clinical and translational discovery. With strengths in stem cell biology, genomics, hypertension and microcirculatory function, the Cardiovascular Center takes a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach to research and clinical care. MCW is the only academic institution in southeastern Wisconsin where physicians and scientists are actively engaged in the fight against heart disease, stroke, and numerous other life-threatening conditions. With more than 30,000 square feet of research space and approximately 75 clinical trials underway on any given day, more than 200 researchers and doctors conduct basic science and clinical research aimed at improving outcomes for patients and families.
About the A.O. Smith Foundation
Established in 1955, the A. O. Smith Foundation has been supported by donations from the profits of A. O. Smith Corporation. The Foundation has provided over $37 million in financial support for worthwhile community organizations, institutions and programs. In 1985, the Foundation established a Matching Gift Program to encourage employees of the corporation to financially support education. The Foundation believes education to be one of the most important investments individuals can make in the future. Under the terms of the program, the Foundation matches dollar for dollar, up to a maximum of $3,000 per year, all employee contributions to qualified colleges, universities and high schools. The Foundation also supports a worldwide scholarship program to assist employees’ children who plan to continue education in college or vocational-technical school. Renewable scholarships are offered each year for full-time study at an accredited institution of the student’s choice.
The Medical College of Wisconsin is the state’s only private medical school and health sciences graduate school. Founded in 1893, it is dedicated to leadership and excellence in education, patient care, research and community engagement. More than 1,200 students are enrolled in MCW’s medical school and graduate school programs in Milwaukee, and 26 medical students are enrolled at MCW-Green Bay. A regional medical education campus is scheduled to open in Central Wisconsin in 2016. MCW’s School of Pharmacy will open in 2017 or 2018 with an initial class size of 60 students. A major national research center, MCW is the largest research institution in the Milwaukee metro area and second largest in Wisconsin. In FY 2014-15, faculty received approximately $158 million in external support for research, teaching, training and related purposes, of which approximately $139 million is for research. This total includes highly competitive research and training awards from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Annually, MCW faculty direct or collaborate on more than 3,200 research studies, including clinical trials. Additionally, more than 1,500 physicians provide care in virtually every specialty of medicine for more than 525,000 patients annually.
