James T. Dove, M.D., F.A.C.C., President, American College of Cardiology

Fostering the next generation of scientific discovery is a key part of Merck's overall commitment to science. For this reason, The Merck Company Foundation promotes science education at the pre-college, undergraduate, graduate and post-doctoral levels and provides long-term, sustained support for programs that expand capacity for training in biomedical and health sciences, engineering and technology.

Since 1981, The Merck Company Foundation and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) have supported a Cardiology Fellowship Training Awards program to support advanced training in cardiovascular research. Since its inception, 145 physicians have been named Merck ACC Fellows.

A survey of past ACCF/Merck Fellows found that many have contributed to important advances in cardiovascular medicine. Fifty-six percent of survey respondents work in a medical school or university setting, while 32 percent work in cardiovascular group practice. More than half of the respondents devote at least some time to teaching, helping train future leaders in this field.

Here is a discussion with the 2008 President of the ACC, James T. Dove, M.D., F.A.C.C., Clinical Professor of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine and a Founding partner of Prairie Cardiovascular Consultants, Ltd., on the value of the partnership between The Merck Company Foundation and the ACC.

• Q: What has been the impact of the support your organization has received from The Merck Company Foundation?
• JD: In 2008, the Merck partnership with the American College of Cardiology Foundation will mark 27 years of awarding research fellowships in cardiology.  Literally millions of dollars of support has been provided through this program to young cardiologists, making it possible for them to focus on innovative research in quality training programs with excellent mentors.
• Q: How has Merck Company Foundation support helped the ACC create sustainable solutions that address critical societal needs?
• JD: The Foundation's support of this Fellowship makes it possible for the ACC to support high-caliber research contributions to the advancement of cardiovascular medicine and patient care.  The Merck fellows’ basic and clinical research have increased the understanding of cardiovascular function, prevention and treatment.  The impact of the Merck fellows extends beyond the award, resulting in hundreds of important papers published in top-rank journals, leadership positions held in the nation’s medical societies, and numerous additional grants and honors.
• Q: What is the value to your organization of your partnership with The Merck Company Foundation?
• JD: The Foundation's sustained support has been critical to establishing and maintaining one of the most prestigious research fellowship programs in the field and a hallmark of the American College of Cardiology’s recognition program within the discipline.
• Q: How is this partnership affecting patient health
• JD: Cardiovascular disease is the principle cause of mortality for the nation, indeed the world.  It is at the the individual research scientist level where many advances and promises of improved patient outcomes are first identified.  The American College of Cardiology Foundation /Merck Company Foundation Fellowships in Adult Cardiology foster prospects for improving the human condition through cardiovascular medicine.