10/16/15 MMCRI, Dr. Don St. Germain

Posted by Jake Bourdeau 
 
Our host and speaker on Friday was Dr. Don St. Germain, Director and the Vice President of the Maine Medial Center Research Institute (MMCRI) which is headquartered in Scarborough Maine. Dr. St. Germain discussed the goals, mission, funding considerations, and several medical improvements that MMCRI has progressed or championed.
 
MMCRI supports and encourages a broad spectrum of research at the institute, ranging from basic laboratory-based research, through the translational research, which works to apply basic discoveries to medical problems. MMCRI also conducts clinical research, which studies the direct application of new drugs, devices and treatment protocols to patients, and health services research which seeks to use research methods to help improve and evaluate health care delivery programs and new technologies.
 
Dr. St. Germain presented the mission of MMCRI researchers as follows:
  • As investigators, they are driven by curiosity and a passion for improving health care to conduct world-class research, as fostered by a uniquely collaborative and collegial environment that emphasizes respect, trust and personal growth.
  • As educators, they are committed to mentor and help train the next generation of investigators, physicians, nurses and other health professionals.
  • As a community of scientists, clinicians, staff and administrators, they work together to promote an open, inclusive, diverse and supportive workplace that stresses the value of the individual while celebrating the accomplishments of the whole.
 
MMCRI’s four primary centers of research include the Center for Molecular Medicine, Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Center for Psychiatric Research, and Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation. Some of the advancements noted from these research centers include the new ability to grow human kidney tissue in the lab; and almost doubling the recovery success rate of stroke victims, compared to prior treatments by advancing a new method of removing blood clots from the brain.
 
From Dr. St. Germain’s presentation, it was clear that the staff of doctors, PhD’s, nurses, and other researchers at MMCRI mind these goals, and they are on the forefront of biomedical research and medical advancement, both in Maine and throughout our nation.
 
A donation to research at Maine Medical Center Research Institute (MMCRI) is an investment in healthcare innovations and new treatments that offer hope.  Please see mmcri.org for more information. 
 
 
 
 
Following the meeting, members and guests were invited to take a tour of the lab facilities.