New ‘Paul & Margaret Brand Research Center’ at Barry University aims to reduce need for diabetic amputations

Gladys Amador
(305)899-4919

Miami Shores, Fla. - South Florida is saddled with one of the worst diabetic amputation rates in the nation – if not the world – and to battle the diabetic epidemic and its complications, the Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine is establishing the new “Paul & Margaret Brand Research Center.”

Doctors Paul and Margaret Brand are pioneers whose groundbreaking research, from Louisiana to India, made it possible for insensate patients, including those with leprosy and diabetes, to function normally despite enormous handicaps. The landmark “Paul & Margaret Brand Research Center” at Barry University furthers the Brand’s legacy with collaborative research to reduce diabetic foot complications including ulcers and amputations.

“The mission of the ‘Paul & Margaret Brand Research Center’ is to create a world class research site utilizing the collaborative efforts of basic and clinical sciences,” said Dr. Jeffrey Jensen, dean of the Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine. “The research will result in publications in peer-reviewed journals, enhancing Barry University’s academic and scholarly reputation as well as the resident and student experience at Barry.”

In 2008, Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties reported more than 1,500 diabetic amputations costing more than $57 million. The new “Paul & Margaret Research Center” will enable Barry University professors and students to conduct research studies to identify the best treatment to promote wound healing, reduce amputations and educate the public on prevention.

“The ‘Paul & Margaret Brand Research Center’ reflects the first step in Barry University’s commitment to develop our recently approved Master Site Plan” said Barry University president, Sister Linda Bevilacqua, OP, PhD. “We anticipate that our research will provide patients with diabetic foot complications in South Florida and the world with a more hopeful future.”

By the year 2050, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate the number of Americans living with diabetes could grow to 1 in 5 or even 1 in 3. Through this new research center, Barry University commits itself to the battle against diabetes by providing innovative research which will help the almost 500,000 residents in South Florida affected by this disease.