HUMC - Celebrating 50 Years of Caring

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RESEARCH ACCOMPLISHMENTS

   Pioneering research in many fields such as reproductive endocrinology, genetics, infectious diseases, trauma and respiratory medicine has brought worldwide attention to our campus. Among the major milestones at Harbor-UCLA are:

	The world's first ovum transfer program, led by Dr. John Buster, to help infertile couples. In 1984, we were the first institution in the world to achieve successful pregnancies using the technique of ovum transfer.
	The discovery by A.F. Parlow, PhD of the molecular structure of the human follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone. Dr. Parlow also developed an antisera which made possible neonatal screening for hypothyroidism, a common cause of mental retardation. The Parlow Pituitary Hormone and Antisera Laboratory produces highly purified pituitary components which are used in research and therapy around the world. One of the hormones produced, human growth hormone, is used to prevent severe growth retardation in thousands of children around the world.
	Internationally renowned genetics research to help treat and prevent short stature, lead by Dr. David Rimoin. He was responsible for early work on disorders of growth hormone metabolism, for expanding the knowledge of dwarfism and developing the $2.2 million Skeletal Dysplasia Center at Harbor-UCLA.
	Dr. John Michael Criley's cardiac research into improved cardiac resuscitation techniques and better training of emergency paramedics, leading to the country's first hospital-based paramedic training program.
	A major discovery in defining the basic biochemical defect in a skin disease, known as x-linked ichthyosis. Dr. Larry Shapiro's discovery that this was a hereditary disease was a significant breakthrough and led to improved treatment strategies.
	Dr. Michael Kaback's advances in developing and improving screening for Tay-Sachs disease, an inherited, fatal disorder. Harbor-UCLA has become the headquarters for the California and international screening programs for the disease.
	Definitive studies of lung surfactant have resulted in saving the lives of thousands of premature infants who would have died because of immature lungs.

Dr. Albert F. Parlow and Dr. Basudev Shome and their elucidation of the molecular structure of the human follicle stimulating hormone. (circa 1970s) In the Surgery ICU, William Shoemaker, MD, conducts a study seeking methods for the analysis and the early prediction of the outcome of traumatic shock.		The establishment of the UCLA Center for Vaccine Research. Work at the center has contributed to the licensure of several new vaccines and to the establishment of new national recommendations for childhood immunizations. These new vaccines have protected millions of newborns, children and adults from diseases such as meningitis, whooping cough and pneumonia.
	The development of scintimammography to detect breast cancer without invasive biopsies, is one of the many imaging procedures developed at Harbor-UCLA.
	A detachable balloon catheter, an artificial elbow, and an implant for use in maxillofacial surgery, are among the many devices developed here.
	The receipt of a $1 million grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Pew Charitable Trust to redesign how patient care is delivered. Harbor-UCLA was one of 20 hospitals nationwide -- and the only one on the west coast -- to be awarded the grant. As a result, culture shifts occurred which emphasize leadership, community and the development of interdisciplinary collaboration. The grant also provided seed money and resources to assist with individual and group development.
	Being selected as one of 40 sites nationwide to conduct a landmark research study on diseases affecting women. The Women's Health Initiative (WHI), a $625 million, 15-year project, is the first study to examine the health of a very large number of women over a long period of time.
	The involvement of family members in the care of patients in the ICUs by developing educational materials in English and Spanish. The program was developed by Marissa Camanga-Reyes, RN, MN, CCRN.
	Improved pain management in infants and children at Harbor-UCLA which was the result of research done by Deon Hall, RN and the pediatric ward nurses.

   Other research programs which have achieved international acclaim in the past 50 years include: Dr. Dana Street's reconstructive surgery on thalidomide babies to reconstruct their deformities to allow more normal functioning; the $3 million NASA contract to develop a urinary system for space suits; hyperbaric chamber research; landmark respiratory disease and exercise studies in Dr. Karl Wasserman's computerized exercise laboratory; and Dr. Ronald Swerdloff's research into male contraceptive methods.