Parkview gets $1M for research center

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - A one million dollar donation from the Mirro Family Foundation will help launch a new research and education center in Fort Wayne.

“The Mirro Family Research and Education Center” will be located on the campus of the Parkview Regional Medical Center and will house facilities and resources for training and education for health professionals. Parkview physicians will also conduct clinical research in collaboration with ongoing research performed at places like Indiana University, Duke University, Harvard University , and Cleveland Clinic.

“The Mirro Family Research and Education Center will serve as a hub for fostering medical trends and breakthroughs. Through translational research and innovative training resources, healthcare professionals throughout the region will have access to the most current medical knowledge and practices,” said Mike Packnett, President and CEO of Parkview Health.

The vision of the research center is to support medical partnerships and in-depth investigation into heart diseases, oncology, radiation oncology, neurological conditions, orthopedics and a number of other treatments and practices.

“Parkview Research efforts have spanned a 25-year time period with unwavering support to improve medical care. This next phase of research efforts grows beyond clinical research trials to facilitate the transition from bench research to the bedside which will increase the presence and significance of Parkview and our patient care throughout the international medical community,” said Dr. Michael Mirro, cardiologist, Parkview Physicians Group-Cardiology and medical director, Parkview Research Center.

Jeanne Mirro, President of the Mirro Family Foundation, along with Dr. Michael Mirro and their children Emily, Katie and Megan, have committed funds to this effort through the Mirro Family Foundation in honor of Dr. Mirro’s established track record of and passion for medical research which began at Indiana University and then University of Iowa before pursing clinical and basic research in Fort Wayne at what is now Parkview Research Center. Dr. Mirro also teaches and serves as a mentor for college and medical students, nurses and medical residents and has been a driving force behind the Midwest Alliance for Healthcare Education.

“The energy and passion of Dr. Mirro is a catalyst for growth and innovation throughout our region,” said Packnett. “His efforts and support will contribute to significant enhancement of patient care within our community as well as elevating standards of patient care throughout the medical community world-wide.”

Other major donors who have supported the construction and mission of The Mirro Family Research and Education Center include:

• Parkview Physicians Group
• Weigand Pepper Joint Venture
• Larry & Monica Weigand Foundation
• English Bonter Mitchell Foundation
• Kilbourne Trust
• Larry & Wendy Rowland Family