Ophthalmologist Nominated For Patient Centered Outcomes Institute Governing Board

Main Category: Eye Health / Blindness
Article Date: 05 Jul 2010 - 3:00 PDT


The American Academy of Ophthalmology has nominated Daniel F. Martin, MD, for consideration as a member of the governing board of the newly created Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). The institute was created in the expansive health care reform law passed earlier this year. It is to set the nation's comparative effectiveness research priorities and facilitate distribution of federal dollars for that research.

"The Academy believes Dr. Martin would be a significant contributor, a strong voice and a staunch facilitator in advancing the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute and its mission," said David W. Parke II, MD, CEO of the Academy. "We believe he possesses all of the skills, expertise and knowledge to further the goals of and help carry out the duties of this important new entity."

Dr. Martin has significant experience in reviewing the conduct and standards of clinical research and has served on numerous data and safety monitoring boards and clinical trial steering committees that oversee the conduct of clinical trials. Such experience will be a necessary asset in the work that PCORI is tasked with: developing the methodological standards for research conducted under its purview.

One of the reasons ophthalmology is on the cutting edge in comparative effectiveness research is the groundbreaking Comparison of Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treatment Trials (CATT) led by Dr. Martin. The CATT is a seminal study sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH)/National Eye Institute with significant Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services collaboration and FDA oversight. It was the first study to involve such a unique federal partnership.

Dr. Martin is chairman of the Cole Eye Institute at the Cleveland Clinic. He oversees one of the largest academic clinical groups in the country and one of the most successful research groups in ophthalmology. He is an established leader, having published more than 80 peer-reviewed articles and delivered more than 170 invited lectures.

"While Dr. Martin's career accomplishments are extraordinary, his depth of knowledge and understanding in comparative effectiveness research is most noteworthy," said Delos M. Cosgrove, MD, CEO and president of the Cleveland Clinic. "The Cleveland Clinic joins the American Academy of Ophthalmology in nominating Dr. Martin to the board of governors of the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute."

The Institute will have a 21-member board of governors, including the directors of NIH and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and 19 members appointed by the Comptroller General.

Source:
American Academy of Ophthalmology

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