On Sept. 18, Reps. André Carson (D-Ind.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.), Lloyd Smucker (R-Pa.), and Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio) introduced a congressional resolution (H.Res. 1458) designating Sept. 16-20, 2024, Medical Research Week to honor the contributions of medical research in improving the health and well-being of patients and communities nationwide. Following the introduction, Rep. Carson issued remarks on the resolution and urged his colleagues to join him in support of medical research. The resolution accompanied other activities by the medical research community, including the Rally for Medical Research, of which the AAMC is a sponsor, and other events that convened thousands of advocates to meet with lawmakers on key medical research issues, including increasing funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
In a Sept. 18 press release, AAMC President and CEO David J. Skorton, MD, noted the importance of NIH funding, stating, “Investing in the NIH today pays a lifetime of dividends in saving lives, promoting better health, and improving the quality of life for all Americans.” The resolution acknowledged that Medical Research Week serves as an opportunity to recognize breakthroughs in science that save lives; celebrate the innovations and efforts of scientists who have created the treatments, cures, and diagnostics that address life-altering medical diagnoses; and highlight America’s role as a global leader in medical innovation.