National Institutes of Health: 1991-2008

New
Hardcover
2010
$95.15

This book describes the premier organization for the performance and funding of biomedical research in the United States. By articulating events that occurred at the National Institutes of Health from 1991-2008, this volume also examines the leadership of directors Bernadine Healy, Harold Varmus and Elias Zerhouni. To conduct his research, Dr. Kastor interviewed more than 200 people currently working at the NIH, those who have left and those funded by the institute. In an engaging and dynamic prose style, Dr. Kastor presents his findings on the operations, problems, controversies, financies, politics and structure of the NIH. The book begins by examining topics such as the NIH's evaluation of grant funding, the argument between those who favor support of basic biomedical science versus clinical research, the inclusion of HIV/AIDS in the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and the unique features of the Clinical Center, the hospital of the NIH. The volume concludes with a review of the recent conflict of interest controversy, the NIH's response to recent budget constrictions and the role of the institute in the Obama administration.

Synopsis

This book describes the premier organization for the performance and funding of biomedical research in the United States. By articulating events that occurred at the National Institutes of Health from 1991-2008, this volume also examines the leadership of directors Bernadine Healy, Harold Varmus and Elias Zerhouni. To conduct his research, Dr. Kastor interviewed more than 200 people currently working at the NIH, those who have left and those funded by the institute. In an engaging and dynamic prose style, Dr. Kastor presents his findings on the operations, problems, controversies, financies, politics and structure of the NIH. The book begins by examining topics such as the NIH's evaluation of grant funding, the argument between those who favor support of basic biomedical science versus clinical research, the inclusion of HIV/AIDS in the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and the unique features of the Clinical Center, the hospital of the NIH. The volume concludes with a review of the recent conflict of interest controversy, the NIH's response to recent budget constrictions and the role of the institute in the Obama administration.

$95.15

Quantity

20+ in stock

More Information

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 296
Edition: 1
Publisher: OUP USA
Published: Jun 2010
ISBN 10: 0199737991
ISBN 13: 9780199737994

Media Reviews

I know the author personally and I have reviewed and read his previous books regarding academic medicine. He is a very meticulous writer and the previous books were very revealing in how academic institutions need to change if they want to survive in this new health care environment. He applies a very nice technique in writing this book. He talks to all the characters involved in the day-to-day operations of the academic institutions and then he gives some insight at the end. In summary, the author has the qualifications to write a book like he proposes and I think as I wrote in my JAMA review of the previous book, the book submitted herein will be part of contemporary modern history of health and research. Can't wait to see it.
--Hector Ventura, MD
Department of Neurology, Ochsner Medical Center, New Orleans, LA

Dr. Kastor is a well-regarded senior academic physician, the former Chairman of the Department of Medicine at the University of Maryland. He has published four studies of academic medical centers in the United States (full disclosure--I reviewed one of them for the NEJM). Here he proposes a somewhat similar study, based on interviews with many key figures, but this time of the National Institutes of Health. I believe that he is highly qualified for such book. I would guess that, following Dr. Kastor's previous work, this will be of interest to the profession.
--Robert Michels, Walsh McDermott University Professor of Medicine, University Professor of Psychiatry, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY

This book provides a unique snapshot of a specific and compelling time period in
NIH's history. --Doody's

The National Institutes of Health: 1991-2008 is a joy to read and an excellent reference for anyone wanting to understand how biomedical research is funded and conducted in the United States in the 21st century. --JAMA

The National Institutes of Health: 1991-2008 is a joy to read and an excellent reference for anyone wanting to understand how biomedical research is funded and conducted in the United States in the 21st century. --JAMA

For those interested in following or influencing these events, The National Institutes of
Health, 1991-2008 should be required--and largely enjoyable--reading. --The Journal of Clinical Investigation

As Kaster's great strength, he depicts exquisitely and with remarkable candor and insight the modern directors of the NIH during this 20-year period...Kastor makes every effort to create a balanced view of controversial issues... --Texas Heart Institute Journal

In The National Institutes of Health: 1991-2008, John Kastor has written a clear, concise, and highly informative book that will serve as a useful entrypoint for anyone interested in gaining
a basic understanding of the structure and inner workings of the NIH. As a bonus, the book also presents a human perspective on the NIH's recent history, with fascinating insights on the process, as well as examples of the content, of NIH intramural research. --The Pharos

Author Bio

John A. Kastor, MD