Scientific Peer Review of Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program

Re: Consumer Participation on Scientific Peer Review Panels

For Immediate Press Release:

PEER-REVIEWED MEDICAL RESEARCH PROGRAM FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

The Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs’ (CDMRP), Peer-Reviewed Medical Research Program (PRMRP) consumer advocate Eileen Rubin, JD. President and CEO of ARDS Foundation recently participated in the evaluation of research applications submitted to the PRMRP. Eileen was nominated for participation in the program by ARDS Foundation, Northbrook, IL. As a consumer reviewer, she was a full voting member, (along with prominent scientists) at meetings to help determine how the $360 million appropriated by Congress for Fiscal Year 2020 will be spent on PRMRP research.

Consumer reviewers are asked to represent the collective view of patients by preparing comments on the impact of the research on issues such as diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life. When commenting on serving as a consumer reviewer, Ms. Rubin said that “Participating as a consumer reviewer was an extremely fulfilling experience, representing the voice of patients and families alongside knowledgeable scientists and clinicians, ensuring that this prospective was considered alongside those in the medical community. It was an honor and pleasure to serve.”

Consumer advocates and scientists have worked together in this unique partnership to evaluate the merit of research applications since FY99. COL Sarah B. Goldman, Director of the CDMRP, expressed her appreciation for the consumer advocates’ hard work. “Integrating consumer perspectives into our decision-making process brings energy and focus to our research programs. Patients, caregivers, family members, and advocates help us keep our efforts centered around what is truly important to those impacted.We very much value this critical input from our consumers who help ensure that CDMRP’s work remains critical and relevant,” she said.

The Mission of the PRMRP is to encourage, identify, select, and manage medical research projects of clear scientific merit and direct relevance to military health. The PRMRP fills important gaps not addressed by other funding agencies by supporting groundbreaking, high-risk, high-gain research while encouraging out- of- the -box thinking, to improve the health, care, and well-being of all Service Members, Veterans, and the American Public.

More information about the CDMRP’s PRMRP is available on the website: https://cdmrp.army.mil/prmrp/default.

Eileen Rubin,JD,
ARDS Foundation
3330 Dundee Road, Suite C4
Northbrook, IL 60062
312.749.7047
[email protected]

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Media Contact:

Kate Poindexter
Public Affairs Specialist
Ripple Effect
Supporting the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs
USAMRDC
301-619-7783
[email protected]