Reps. André Carson (D-Ind.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.), Lloyd Smucker (R-Pa.), and Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio) on Sept. 16 introduced a congressional resolution for the second year (H.Res. 708) designating Sept. 15-19, 2025, Medical Research Week to honor the contributions of medical research supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in improving the health and well-being of patients and communities nationwide [refer to Washington Highlights, Sept. 20, 2024]. Carson issued introductory remarks on the resolution urging the House to support the measure. The resolution occurred during Medical Research Month, highlighting 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 NIH.
AAMC President and CEO David J. Skorton, MD, noted the importance of medical research in a Sept. 16 press release. “The medical research that drives innovative patient care at our nation’s academic health systems, teaching hospitals, and medical schools is improving the quality of life for every American.” AAMC Chief Scientific Officer Elena Fuentes-Afflick, MD, MPH, shared that “Continued investment in the NIH is critical to turn today’s promising discoveries into tomorrow’s breakthroughs.” 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.