(MyKeeneNow) – Dartmouth Health’s Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) has been awarded a substantial $27.7 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This seven-year funding is aimed at accelerating the application of proven medical innovations, positioning DHMC as a key player in a nationwide network of biomedical research centers.

The grant, part of NIH’s Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA), will support Dartmouth SYNERGY, also known as the Dartmouth Clinical and Translational Science Institute. This initiative is a collaborative effort involving Dartmouth Health, Dartmouth College’s Geisel School of Medicine, Thayer School of Engineering, the White River Junction VA Medical Center, and partner institutions across Vermont and Maine. Dartmouth SYNERGY is now among 60 CTSAs in the U.S., and notably, one of eight that focus heavily on improving healthcare in rural areas.

Given that 50 percent of northern New England’s population resides in rural communities, SYNERGY places a special emphasis on addressing the unique healthcare challenges these areas face.

Translational science, the process of transforming research findings into practical medical applications, is at the heart of SYNERGY’s mission. SYNERGY focuses on eliminating barriers that hinder the adoption of validated medical tools, treatments and approaches.

Unlike the traditional model where researchers must advocate for the adoption of new practices, DHMC already has professionals trained in healthcare delivery science and quality improvement.

In addition to its focus on implementation, SYNERGY is cultivating the next generation of translational scientists. Dr. Anna N.A. Tosteson, a prominent figure in oncology research at Dartmouth, will lead efforts in this area. Tosteson has already secured additional federal funding to enhance training in learning health system science, which aligns with SYNERGY’s objectives.

Technological innovation is another cornerstone of SYNERGY’s work. Dr. Keith D. Paulsen, an expert in medical imaging and the third principal investigator in the CTSA, is spearheading advancements that enhance the precision and safety of surgical procedures.

With this significant NIH grant, Dartmouth Health is poised to make substantial contributions to the future of rural healthcare, driving forward innovations that will benefit both local communities and the broader medical field.