How We Work

DMMGF’s Overall Strategy

The strategic plan for the Foundation is to focus on our two core objectives, by continuing to build a strong framework for each program that focuses on quality not quantity. While we are a small foundation, we are focused on maintaining a stringent assessment of each potential meeting location, partners, collaborators, potential research projects, and in every aspect of the foundation’s endeavors to ensure we are focusing our time and efforts on projects and collaborations of which have the potential to make an impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does DMMGF choose the conference topics and sites?

Each year DMMGF attempts to choose an interdisciplinary topic that is relevant, timely and one that needs further highlighting. We try to choose topics that are unique and worthy of further discussion and have not been the focus of other major conferences. Speakers are selected from and leaders in academia, pharma, the non-profit world, governmental regulatory agencies, and leading scientific journals, to gain well-rounded discussion. Each year the site is determined by DMMGF and its partners, and by topic if it is regionally prevalent.

How do young physician-scientists apply for a travel stipend to attend conferences?

DMMGF offers travel stipends to a select number of our conferences. Depending upon location and meeting topic, we ask that candidates submit an abstract of their work related to meeting topic. For more information on grant opportunities please contact us.

How does DMMGF identify international partners and collaborators for the Global Health Initiative?

The DMMGF has already identified several sites, which are strong candidates for this program, and established a stringent set of criteria that each collaboration must meet to allow further consideration. Given the regional restrictions, governmental impact, cultural, religious, and geographical factors, there is a risk assessment the Foundation will conduct and present to the Board of Directors for review and approval.

How will DMMGF assess potential cardiovascular health research projects?

The first step of this program is to scout out the areas of the world where specific forms of childhood cardiovascular disease are most prevalent, which can be referred to as hot spots, to further understand the disease not only within that region but to see if by chance there are common trends among these global hot spots. DMMGF is looking to work with institutions within these hot spots to identify unique epidemiological, environmental, nutritional, and genetic factors present in these distinct populations yet to be analyzed at a detailed level with the most sophisticated analytical and scientific tools available.

When reviewing potential research opportunities, a high priority will be placed on projects with the highest impact, as well as measures to insure quality. We understand cardiovascular disease in children and adolescents cannot be understood or assumed to affect patients around the world in the same way, as there are multiple variables to consider that vary from region to region. Some of these variables are, but not limited to, the following: lack of adequate clinical care, exposure to epidemiological factors such as environment, nutrition and pre-natal health, etc. In addition, there are likely to be genetic differences within these populations that contribute to disease variation.

How will DMMGF determine international training opportunities for the Women’s Maternal Health program?

The goal is to reach women worldwide in need of finding a mental health professional, further assistance, and guidance. We will look to support experts in the field of mental health to train physicians and healthcare workers in regions where they do not have access or expertise in this area, either onsite or through online courses. The key is to identify reliable clinic or health centers where women can go regionally when they need to speak directly with a healthcare provider. We plan to teach cognitive behavioral therapy, meditation, and other techniques one can work on both individually and with their health care provider for a period of time.

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