Throughout the 1920’s and 30’s tuberculosis (an airborne bacterial infection that primarily attacks the lungs) was rampant across the United States and at one point in time was the leading cause of death in this country. It was originally believed that exposing patients to as much fresh air as possible, combined with complete bed-rest conditions, would cure them of the disease. The Will Rogers Commission had been formed in 1935 following the tragic death of beloved humanitarian Will Rogers, in an airplane crash at Point Barrow Alaska. In an attempt to perpetuate the memory of Rogers, the commission determined that if the services of the National Vaudeville Association Lodge (a rest home where Vaudeville performers with TB would sit and breathe in cold New York air) extended to benefit all people in the entertainment industry, it would be a noteworthy memorial to the man who loved all mankind. And so it was, in 1936, that the Will Rogers Memorial Commission changed its name to the Will Rogers Memorial Fund and the Lodge was named the Will Rogers Memorial Hospital.
A teaching and training program for medical research was created at Will Rogers Memorial Hospital in 1962, marking the beginning of the Will Rogers Institute (WRI). The scientific investigations conducted by WRI yielded dramatic results culminating with the discovery of a treatment for TB. In 1977, the WRI partnered with Burke Rehabilitation Hospital in White Plains, New York. For the next twenty years WRI dedicated all resources to conducting pulmonary research and producing free educational materials for the general public. Today, the WRI is operated as a program of the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation. The WRI is a national charitable health program focused on research of debilitating lung disorders, medical school research fellowships, distribution of free health education material and provider of life saving neonatal ventilator equipment to hospitals across the United States. The Institute is one of the country’s largest suppliers of Public Service Announcements for television, cable and radio. Featuring celebrities from stage, film and television these messages serve to reinforce Will Rogers Institute’s complete involvement in the field of pulmonary medicine and public information. Since 1936 WRI has been committed to making advancements in pulmonary research and uncovering life-saving discoveries. Today, almost 80 years later, WRI leadership is dedicated to supporting and recognizing scientists who work in pulmonary medicine. We understand that pulmonary research is one of the most vital, and underappreciated frontiers of exploration in the human body. The pulmonary system is linked to a multitude of infectious diseases and disorders and it is our goal to encourage scientists to continue their work, therefore benefiting all humankind.
To speak further about the importance of medical research, Dr. Edward D. Crandall has answered a few quick questions. Dr. Crandall has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles on lung and cell biology. Early research interests included gas exchange and the role of red blood cell membrane ion transport processes. Dr. Crandall’s current specific research interests are in the regulation of the differentiation and transport properties of, and interactions of nanoparticles with, alveolar epithelial cells. He was the recipient of a MERIT Award from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. He is a member of the American Society of Clinical Investigation and is on the Editorial Boards of Experimental Lung Research and Clinical and Translational Science.
a) How did you get started in medicine?
Seeing a research problem in biomedicine that I found a way to solve. I was hooked!
b) How did you choose your specialty?
Cardiopulmonary research is exciting, vital and urgent!
c) What advice do you have for students who are interested in health care careers?
Medicine is a wonderful career for both men and women. It’s very satisfying in terms of being its own reward. Helping people is an outstanding way to spend one’s life.
d) What has been one of the most surprising discoveries you've made in your research?
One surprise is that every research result is in a way surprising.
e) What applications does the Will Rogers Institute have for the health care field as a whole?
The Will Rogers Institute (WRI) has been a pioneer since 1936 in supporting research into lung diseases. Beginning with tuberculosis, the WRI now funds investigations into lung fibrosis, emphysema, sleep apnea, lung cancer, pulmonary edema, respiratory distress syndrome, cystic fibrosis and other pulmonary diseases. Great advances are being made yearly, but the WRI won’t stop its efforts until all lung diseases are conquered.
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