SCIENTIFIC PEER REVIEW OF CONGRESSIONALLY DIRECTED MEDICAL RESEARCH PROGRAMS’ PEER REVIEWED MEDICAL RESEARCH PROGRAM FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
The Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs’ (CDMRP), Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program (PRMRP) consumer advocate Sarah Foye, an advocate for Team Titin, recently participated in the evaluation of research applications submitted to the PRMRP. Foye was nominated for participation in the program by the Children’s Cardiomyopathy Foundation, Tenafly, NJ. As a consumer reviewer, Foye was a full voting member, (along with prominent scientists) at meetings to help determine how the $370 million appropriated by Congress for Fiscal Year 2021 will be spent on Peer Reviewed Medical research.
Consumer reviewers are asked to represent the collective view of patients by preparing comments on the impact of the research on issues such as diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life. When commenting on serving as a consumer reviewer, Foye said that, “It was an honor to serve as a reviewer. I am grateful to be a voice for families who may benefit from the research developments.”.
Consumer advocates and scientists have worked together in this unique partnership to evaluate the merit of research applications since FY99. COL Sarah B. Goldman, Director of the CDMRP, expressed her appreciation for the consumer advocates’ hard work. “Integrating consumer perspectives into our decision-making process brings energy and focus to our research programs. Patients, caregivers, family members, and advocates help us keep our efforts centered around what is truly important to those impacted. We very much value this critical input from our consumers who help ensure that CDMRP’s work remains critical and relevant,” she said.
Researchers applying to the PRMRP propose to improve the health, care, and well-being of all Military Service members, Veterans, and beneficiaries. The PRMRP fills important gaps by supporting groundbreaking research while encouraging out-of-the box thinking.
More information about the CDMRP’s PRMRP is available at the website: https://cdmrp.army.mil/prmrp/default