Funded 3-year appointment at Rady Children’s Institute for Genomic Medicine
June 17, 2019—San Diego – A new research scholar position at Rady Children’s Institute of Genomics Medicine (RCIGM) has been awarded to a talented young investigator who is pursuing a career using genomics to enhance understanding of pediatric digestive diseases.
Amy Hemperly, DO, is the first recipient of the Research Scholar Award in Pediatric Genomics offered jointly by RCIGM and the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA). A graduate of UC San Diego, Hemperly will serve as principal investigator for the three-year project starting in July.
“My career goal is to become an independent physician scientist,” she said. “This award will give me protected time and resources to study the influence of genetic variations on response to drug treatment in patients with pediatric IBD.”
Over the course of her project, she will also work closely with the Institute’s senior investigators and be mentored in clinical and translational pediatric genomics.
“We are delighted that Dr. Hemperly will be joining RCIGM to pursue her career as a physician-scientist. She is a very talented and intelligent individual who will be a true asset to our team as we strive to improve the health of generations to come,” said Charlotte Hobbs, MD, Vice President of Research and Clinical Management.
AGA scholar awards have launched the careers of young investigators doing important work that translates to new patient care tools for clinicians and better outcomes for patients.
“The 2019 class of AGA Research Foundation awardees represents some of the most innovative and promising early-stage investigators working in the field of gastroenterology,” said Robert S. Sandler, MD, MPH, AGAF, chair, AGA Research Foundation. “We’re proud to support these individuals as they continue on their ultimate mission to improve the treatment and care of digestive disease patients through their discoveries.”
The awards program is made possible thanks to generous donors and funders contributing to the AGA Research Foundation. Learn more about the AGA Research Foundation at www.gastro.org/foundation.
About Rady Children’s Institute for Genomic Medicine
The Institute is leading the way in advancing precision healthcare for infants and children through genomic and systems medicine research. Discoveries at the Institute are enabling rapid diagnosis and targeted treatment of critically ill newborns and pediatric patients at Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego and partner hospitals. The vision is to expand delivery of this life-saving technology to enable the practice of precision pediatric medicine at children’s hospitals across California, the nation and the world. RCIGM is a subsidiary of Rady Children’s Hospital and Health Center. Learn more at www.RadyGenomics.org. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.
About the AGA Institute
The American Gastroenterological Association is the trusted voice of the GI community. Founded in 1897, the AGA has grown to more than 16,000 members from around the globe who are involved in all aspects of the science, practice and advancement of gastroenterology. The AGA Institute administers the practice, research and educational programs of the organization. www.gastro.org.
About the AGA Research Foundation
The AGA Research Foundation, formerly known as the Foundation for Digestive Health and Nutrition, is the cornerstone of AGA’s effort to expand digestive disease research funding. Since 1984, the AGA, through its foundations, has provided more than $51 million in research grants to more than 950 scientists. The AGA Research Foundation serves as a bridge to the future of research in gastroenterology and hepatology by providing critical funding to advance the careers of young researchers between the end of training and the establishment of credentials that earn National Institutes of Health grants. Learn more about the AGA Research Foundation or make a contribution at www.gastro.org/foundation.