City Of Hope National Medical Center

Research: the medical center funds a variety of clinical and laboratory research activities focused on finding cures and treatments for cancer and other life-threatening diseases for which grant and extramural funding is not available. Coupled with the beckman research institute, the medical center has a long history of significant research contributions in cancer treatment therapies, diabetes and other diseases. The medical center conducts more than 730 clinical trials annually, enrolling nearly 1 in 4 patients. Many of these trials provide patients with access to the newest treatment approaches, which helps develop the standard treatments of tomorrow. For instance, the medical center was the first institution in the world to perform a clinical study using neural stem cells to target glioma, a deadly form of brain cancer. The medical center has been designated a national center for islet cell transplantation. The medical center is also making major contributions to the study of hiv/aids through research into how to stop the virus' infection of cells. The medical center provides institutionally funded research grants to develop novel ideas that have not yet reached a maturity level necessary to secure extramural funding. Medical center faculty and staff serve as contributory members for national policy and regulatory organizations and advisory committees. They also provide their expertise to review grant applications for state and federal agencies and serve as members of editorial boards for professional publications. The medical center's department of population sciences also reaches out and seeks to reduce the burden of cancer across all populations through collaborative programs in care, research and education. Seeking to understand the causes and risks of cancer and disparities in cancer outcomes in various populations, population science personnel examine and investigate genetic markers linked to cancer risk, seeking to improve the quality of life for cancer survivors. Through the center for cancer survivorship, specialized, long-term follow-up care is provided for cancer survivors, and its critical research is shared with other institutions.

Public information and education: the medical center is committed to serving the community through education and support services to inform and educate the public through cancer awareness programs, health events and educational forums for community groups and businesses. Education and professional development are important programs at the medical center. Through robust residency and fellowship programs, the medical center provides considerable training and continuing education for physicians, nurses and health professionals employed by the medical center. In many instances these same programs and training are extended to medical professionals not directly affiliated with the medical center.