“It's A Bargain” Thrift Shop - Orthopaedic Hospital

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addition, we must ensure that
the philanthropic dollars are
wisely invested and utilized for
the greatest impact. With the
Orthopædic Hospital Foundation
working in tandem with
Orthopædic Hospital, I’m confident
that we will succeed.”
Research to improve the
welfare of orthopaedic patients
and advance care worldwide
will focus on molecular biology,
genetics and stem cell biology.
Toward this end, Orthopædic
Hospital assumes a leadership
role in the UCLA Department of
Orthopaedic Surgery as well as
oversees the Orthopædic Hospital–UCLA
residency program.
To make the most of
investments in research, the
Orthopædic Hospital Board
of Directors and UCLA have
established an Executive Committee
on Research for prioritizing
projects and reviewing progress every three
months. OH will seed basic research and fund a
portion of the ongoing operational support.
“Above all else, we need to support translational
research that can be applied to clinical
problems in improving the welfare of orthopaedic
patients and advancing care,” Dr. Luck said.
Translational research is now the mandate of
the National Institutes of Health, which is the
major funding source for biomedical research in
the U.S. “We also need to foster pediatric-related
research in areas such as genetic disorders, birth
defects and trauma,” he said.
The education component of
Orthopædic Hospital’s mission still
involves training the next generation
of orthopaedic clinicians and leaders
to care for children and adults.
It has expanded beyond residencies, however, to
encompass a broad spectrum of educational support
and relationships, including clinical practitioners
and Orthopædic Hospital Medical Magnet
High School students.
charity care
Diverse Forces
Reshaping Healthcare
Orthopædic Hospital’s strategic task force examined the
mission of charity care, research and education amid myriad
social, technological, economic and political forces that are
reshaping the field of healthcare.
For example, Orthopædic Hospital is addressing numerous
changes on the clinical front. As more emergency rooms close,
Orthopædic Hospital expects to expand its current position as
a haven for pediatric trauma victims. Orthopædic Hospital also
is in a position to help children afflicted with cerebral palsy
in terms of care and research. Because the incidence of orthopaedic
problems is higher in developing countries than in the
United States, Orthopædic Hospital could expand its international
presence.
Orthopædic Hospital’s research investments will require
careful allocation. Clinically relevant research, with its promise
of benefits in the near term, generally yields a high return on
investment. Basic research in areas such as stem cells generally
offers outstanding long-term potential but may require an
investment of seed money.
“We aim to advance residency education to
an even higher level than its current excellent
reputation,” Dr. Luck said. “Among other goals,
we will capitalize on our distinctive qualities and
increase our educational offerings.”
One issue that the strategic task force reiterated
for the benefit of Orthopædic Hospital
supporters is the nature of the alliance between
Orthopædic Hospital and UCLA.
“The relationship is neither a merger nor an
acquisition,” Dr. Luck said. “The alliance most
closely resembles a joint venture partnership.
People often ask me whether we still own a hospital.
The answer is yes.”
Under the agreement, Orthopædic Hospital
owns one-third of the entire hospital in Santa
Monica as a co-tenant on land owned by the University
of California. The hospital operates under
a single license as Santa Monica–UCLA Medical
Center and Orthopædic Hospital.
UCLA and Orthopædic Hospital administer
the hospital jointly. Orthopædic Hospital’s responsibilities
include chief of orthopaedics, associate