The Division of Pediatric Cardiology in the Department of Pediatrics at Indiana University School of Medicine is one of only 10 clinical sites in the NIH-funded Pediatric Heart Network (PHN). Pediatric cardiology faculty participate in numerous multi-center research studies, and fellows have the opportunity to gain experience in the performance of clinical trials.
Basic science and translational research is conducted through the Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research. There are exceptional opportunities for collaborations between basic scientists, translational scientists and physicians. Two research groups (the Cardiac Development Biology Research Group and the Cardiovascular Genetics Research Group) conduct cutting-edge research into the causes and treatment of heart disease.
The Cardiac Development Biology Research Group focuses on how gene expression, cell survival and cell growth pathways are interrelated in the origins of cardiovascular disease and heart failure in the young. The Cardiovascular Genetics Research Group conducts patient-oriented research on the genetic basis of cardiomyopathy, congenital heart defects, and aortopathy.
Research is conducted using a multidisciplinary approach to study the origins, etiology and treatment of cardiovascular disease in the young. The research, medical and surgical teams combine to create a comprehensive program, integrating basic science, clinical and surgical missions toward a common focus in the etiology and treatment of heart failure in the young.
Morris Green Program
Unique to IU School of Medicine is the Morris Green Physician Scientist Development Program, which was created to identify and support pediatric residents and fellows who want to develop careers as pediatric researchers, physician-scientists and future academic leaders. The program provides protected research time, a structured research curriculum, mentorship and research project funding.