Newswise — John A. Barnard, MD, has been named president of the Columbus Children's Research Institute (CCRI) at Columbus Children's Hospital. He has been serving as interim president since January 2005 and is a professor in the Department of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Public Health. Barnard also serves as director of the Center for Cell and Vascular Biology at CCRI and is a practicing gastroenterologist.
"After a national search to fill this position, it is gratifying to have someone of John's caliber right in our midst and eager to assume leadership of our research endeavors," said Donald P. McConnell, senior vice president at Battelle and chair of the CCRI Board of Trustees. "Research is an integral part of Children's mission and strategic plan, with CCRI already in the top ten of National Institutes of Health-funded free-standing children's hospitals. John has said that 'there is no vision without research' and 'there is no progress in medicine without research.' With his leadership and scientific expertise, we will continue on the ambitious path we've charted to further expand CCRI's research capabilities and accomplishments." "We have recently announced an ambitious seven-year strategic expansion plan and research is one of the core components of that plan," said Abigail Wexner, chairman of the Children's Hospital Inc. and Children's Hospital Boards of Trustees. "Striving for excellence in our research program is a key element to achieving our mission to deliver the highest level of care available anywhere by investing in the best doctors, the best researchers and the best facilities."
Barnard received his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Mississippi and completed his internship, residency and a fellowship in Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital in Nashville. He began his academic career as an assistant professor of Pediatrics at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.
He was named director of the Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition at Vanderbilt in 1995. Barnard came to CCRI in 2000 as vice-president for Scientific Affairs. He has served as interim vice-chair for Research in the Department of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Public Health since January 2005. "Under John's interim leadership, Board approval was gained for a $2 million viral vector manufacturing facility at CCRI and seven outstanding new investigators were recruited," said Keith Goodwin, president and interim CEO of Children's Hospital. "He is passionate about enhancing laboratory research and clinical research, with the ultimate goal of translating all research endeavors as quickly as possible 'to the bedside' to benefit patient care. We are extremely fortunate to have him at the helm of our research program." A recipient of numerous honors and awards, Barnard received the Southern Society for Pediatric Research Young Investigator Award, the American Gastroenterological Association Pharmacia Scholar Award, and the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition Young Investigator Award. He is president-elect of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. As a principal investigator, Barnard has been awarded research funding in excess of $5.7 million and has been an active research and clinical mentor. He has authored 45 peer-reviewed publications and numerous book chapters, review articles and commentaries.
"Never in the history of medicine have we been more optimally positioned to improve healthcare through research," Barnard said. "The most exciting breakthroughs in medicine begin in the research laboratory and then move to the patient's bedside. New diagnostic and treatment modalities and advances in predictive medicine offer opportunities to cure and prevent diseases that we never thought possible. We are palpably close to several major research advances at CCRI." CCRI and Columbus Children's Hospital are home to more than 90 research scientists and physician investigators. More than 80 research fellows and graduate students train in laboratories and support areas occupying 300,000 square feet of dedicated state-of-the-art research space.
"I share a passion with my fellow CCRI colleagues to seek answers and dream of a future of extraordinary possibilities," Barnard continued. "As we continue to bring the best and brightest scientists to CCRI, our discoveries will translate into improved health for the children in Central Ohio and all over the world."
NOTE TO EDITOR: Barnard is a resident of New Albany, Ohio.
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