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12.28.17 For Immediate Release: Scott Bruun represents American Diabetes Association and Chronic Disease Coalition as peer reviewer for the U.S. Department of Defense Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program PORTLAND, OREGON - Scott Bruun recently participated in the evaluation of diabetes research applications for the Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program (PRMRP) in Washington, D.C. Bruun, who currently serves as the executive director of the Chronic Disease Coalition, was nominated for participation in the program by the American Diabetes Association. As a consumer reviewer, Bruun was a full voting member along with prominent scientists to determine how the $300 million appropriated by Congress for Fiscal Year 2017 will be spent on PRMRP research covering 48 topic areas. Consumer reviewers are asked to represent the collective view of patients and family members by preparing comments on the impact of the research on issues such as diagnosis, treatment and quality of life. “The PRMRP program provides cutting-edge research to improve the lives of millions of Americans living with chronic diseases,” said Bruun, who lives in West Linn, Oregon. “It was an honor and pleasure to serve.” Authorized by Congress, the PRMRP is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense. Consumer advocates and scientists have worked together in this unique partnership to evaluate the scientific merit of research applications since 1999. Colonel Wanda L. Salzer, M.D., director of the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs, expressed her appreciation for the consumer advocates’ perspective during the scientific review sessions. “The consumer reviewers on each panel are instrumental in helping the scientists understand the patient’s perspective and provide valuable insight into the potential impact of the proposed project,” Salzer said. “They bring with them a sense of urgency and remind us all of the human element involved in medical research.” Scientists applying to the program propose to conduct innovative research focused on treatment and rehabilitation in the areas of diabetes, breast cancer, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and many other diseases. The PRMRP fills important gaps unaddressed by other funding agencies and supports groundbreaking, high-risk, high-gain research while encouraging out-of-the-box thinking.

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