The strength of the Department of Medicine's research program is evidenced by the success of our faculty competing for limited NIH dollars -the Department ranks in the top 15 among the nation's medical schools in NIH funding. In 2008, faculty members published over 1,100 research papers in major peer-reviewed medical journals, a testament to the quality and volume of their research.

Mount Sinai's distinctive structure -- with the campus and administration of a major teaching hospital and a leading medical school intertwined -- has facilitated development of a vibrant research enterprise in which all investigations are focused on improving patient outcomes.

For example, researchers in the department have:

• Developed a predictive genetic test to identify patients co-infected with HIV and hepatitis C who are at high risk for liver fibrosis, thereby sparing lower-risk patients unnecessary treatment
• Developed of a highly accurate (88%) stool test for colorectal cancer was led by Department investigators
• Developed a cervical vaginal explant model to analyze the efficacy of topical microbicides in preventing HIV transmission
• Demonstrated that follicle-stimulating hormone likely plays a significant role in postmenopausal bone loss
• Discovered a new perspective on how the immune system functions in the intestines that has opened novel avenues of research
• Uncovered factors that influence a patients ability to comply with medical directions and have used this information to help improve compliance.

These examples and many more underscore the principle that will always guide Mount Sinai investigators: Develop promising research and apply it expeditiously and effectively to patient care.