Jenkins, who sits on the House Appropriations Committee, encouraged the students to continue investigations into health issues that plague the Appalachian region and West Virginians including obesity, diabetes and neonatal abstinence syndrome.
Joseph I. Shapiro, M.D., dean of the school of medicine, said the series of meetings was important on several levels.
“In order for the research enterprise at the school of medicine to grow, our basic scientists and physician researchers must work collaboratively to advance novel concepts,” Shapiro said. “Part of that process is understanding how research is funded and what they must do to make it happen. Congressman Jenkins was very helpful in expanding the dialogue for our researchers as well as explaining the federal funding landscape to our students.”
Prior to his term in Congress, Jenkins served as the executive director of the West Virginia State Medical Association and as a state legislator.
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Photo: U.S. Rep. Evan Jenkins (R-W.Va.), top left, speaks with Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine biomedical students and faculty during a breakfast discussion Friday at the Robert C. Byrd Biotechnology Science Center.