I have often found that when trying to explain what exactly IML does and hopes to achieve, most people understand and relate more easily to a response that explains the purpose and value of our commitment to orthopedic research.
As the Executive Director of the Institute for Mobility and Longevity, it’s really only one part of my duty to ensure that the organization stays on track towards achieving its goals, while also monitoring the efficacy and efficiency of internal processes. Indeed, a much larger aspect of what the IML Board and I do relates back to our shared goal of pursuing, expanding, and sharing life changing research.
This article explores just a few of the most significant ways that medical research positively impacts individuals and organizations, and helps us all to achieve actualization of the meaningful goals we share.
Addressing Mobility Issues in Aging Populations
According to 2020 estimates, persons age 65 or older comprise 54.1 million members of the overall U.S. population. A contemporary report by the U.S. census reports that by 2060, an estimated one in four American adults will be 65 years of age or older. To put it another way, most demographic projections conclude that as early as the year 2035, there will be more older adults than there are minors.
It’s critical that we take note of these trends not just to prepare for future strain on social welfare programs or the economy, but also so that the medical industry can prepare for an influx of high-risk patients. The majority of individuals who seek assistance with mobility and orthopedic conditions are older adults, and although the industry has undoubtedly made revolutionary advances in recent decades, there’s still much work to be done, and room for improvement to be filled.
At IML, our professional team of experts is committed to finding more effective and affordable ways of managing orthopedic issues, from natural decline of mobility to full-joint replacements and prosthetics. By supporting ambitious trials, product tests, and procedural optimizations now, we can better prepare for what the future of our healthcare population will need.
Validating and Facilitating New Technology
Whether it’s in medicine or another specialized field, advancements in relevant technology only go so far as the utility can reach. Especially in orthopedics, it’s imperative that researchers and clinicians share their findings so as to better inform and prepare other practitioners and professionals.
Thanks to the IML’s extensive involvement with nonprofits, universities, research facilities, and other organizations, there are few better networks for orthopedic specialists to utilize when it comes to accessing and sharing research. Whether you’re a recent graduate of medical school or you’ve sat on a clinical board for decades of your career, there’s always something to be gained by communicating and collaborating with research-active members of your field.
Encouraging the Medical Experts of Tomorrow
With more than 23,000 actively enrolled students in medical school as of 2021, the country is seeing all-time-high rates of attendance in healthcare studies. The next few graduating classes of medical and healthcare colleges will dramatically expand the number of available practitioners in orthopedics and beyond.
However, higher education is also experiencing record tuition costs, deterring many promising young students from pursuing their goals. That’s why part of IML’s research-driven mission includes numerous scholarships, internships, and work study programs to aspiring medical students.
From easing the burden of tuition to providing invaluable, hands-on experience in clinical settings, IML is devoted to encouraging the medical experts of tomorrow. Doing so not only better prepares those entering the healthcare workforce, but dramatically increases the likelihood that the care received in the future boasts unprecedented levels of quality and success.
Learn More About Our Resolve to Research
The IML remains attentive and loyal in its focus on expanding and innovating medical research in orthopedics and related fields. Whether we’re working on improvements to address the needs of older adults, facilitating a symposium for practitioner education, or providing the tools necessary to help a hardworking student through their residency, our organization never stops working to improve the quality of treatment and procedures for patients.
To learn more about the IML’s latest achievements in research-related areas, or to discover how you can get involved with our work, please contact us today.