Temple, Fox Chase and Geisinger create Keystone Institute for Translationa...( Temple University School of Medicine...),Health

Temple University School of Medicine, Fox Chase Cancer Center and Geisinger Health System today announced a research collaboration that will speed the translation of medical and health-related discoveries into significant advances in patient care.

As part of the agreement, the three institutions will form The Keystone Institute for Translational Medicine, based at Temple, to design and implement research on the genetic, behavioral, and social causes of such diseases as diabetes, hypertension, lung disease, obesity and specific cancers that disproportionately affect urban and rural Pennsylvanians.

"Together, we serve one of the most diverse patient populations in the country, putting us in a unique position to contribute significantly to translational research discoveries," said John M. Daly, M.D., dean of Temple University School of Medicine.

"We are excited to participate in The Keystone Institute for Translational Medicine," said J. Robert Beck, M.D., Fox Chase Cancer Center's senior vice president and chief academic officer. "Fox Chase Cancer Center has strong traditions in basic biomedical research, population science, and clinical trials in oncology. The Institute offers an opportunity to bridge these areas with outstanding partners to complete the cycle of bench-to-bedside-to-bench in many areas of medicine and among the diverse populations we all serve."

A special feature of the Institute is its virtual nature, which will enhance the collaboration through a social network, much like Facebook, thereby erasing the physical boundaries that separate Temple and Fox Chase researchers in Philadelphia and those at Geisinger Health System in Danville.

An overarching goal will be to engage patients in research as part of the healthcare delivery process. One such project already underway in urban Philadelphia and rural Danville is investigating the effectiveness of church-based weight loss support groups in helping pe
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