Patients & Physicians Urge Congress to Reject NIH Cuts

Patients, physicians and U.S. Representatives warned of dire consequences to medical research if an 8 percent budget cut slated for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) takes effect in January. Members of the Associated Medical Schools of New York (AMSNY), U.S. Representatives Rangel, Nadler and Maloney, and a 14-year-old cancer survivor spoke at a briefing at CUMC to urge Congress to reject the cut (see video), which will delay medical progress.

The pending action will reduce NIH funding in FY13 by $2.5 billion and by approximately $167 million in New York State. According to a report commissioned by AMSNY, New York state receives an economic return of $7.50 for every research dollar invested in the state's medical schools. A $167 million loss could make a $1.255 billion dent in New York's economy and result in significant job losses.

The decision on whether and how to avoid this cut will be made in the next few weeks, so it is imperative to act now. Contact your elected representatives and let them know this cannot happen.

Research!America has set up a website that will allow you to do so easily. (If you are a Columbia employee or student, please use your home address and Columbia email address.)

For more information about the impact of federally funded research on the health of all Americans, visit the website of the National Institutes of Health or the Association of American Medical Colleges.

CUMC staff, students and friends: please read a letter from Dean Lee Goldman regarding the planned cuts.