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UMMC to play critical role in new effort to improve treatment for wounded service members, civilians

Published on Monday, December 13, 2010

Published in Press Releases on December 13, 2010 (PDF)

The University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) is one of two dozen major trauma centers recruited for participation in the Major Extremity Trauma Research Consortium, which was recently awarded $38.67 million.

UMMC is expected to receive $2 million of the funds over the next several years. UMMC was one of the original 12 core civilian centers selected for the DOD-funded consortium that was established in 2009.

"Together we will address the most pressing issues in orthopedic trauma care. The results of our studies will change practices, resulting in better care for all who are injured," said Dr. Robert McGuire, UMMC chairman of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation.

The purpose of the new funding, awarded by the Peer Reviewed Orthopaedic Research Program (PRORP) of the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program, is to allow the consortium to expand its work in conducting multi-center studies relevant to the treatment and outcomes of major orthopedic injuries sustained on the battlefield. The overall goal of the Consortium is to produce the evidence needed to establish treatment guidelines for the optimal care of the wounded warrior and ultimately improve the clinical, functional and quality of life outcomes of both service members and civilians who sustain high energy trauma to the extremities.

The Consortium consists of a network of clinical centers from across the United States, with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health serving as the coordinating center.

Dr. George Russell, UMMC associate professor of orthopedic surgery, said the studies will benefit future service members. "The research conducted by the Consortium will help us better understand what works and what doesn't in treating these injuries and ensure that our service members and civilians alike are provided with the best care possible," he said.