University of Nevada School of Medicine
For immediate release: May 8, 2006
Contact: Emily Wofford
Marketing & Communications
775-784-6001
ewofford@unr.edu

University of Nevada School of Medicine professor Kent Sanders, Ph.D. appointed to National Institutes of Health

Commission on Digestive Diseases

Reno, Nev.—University of Nevada School of Medicine professor Kent Sanders, Ph.D., chairman of the department of physiology and cell biology, was recently appointed to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Commission on Digestive Diseases.

“The School of Medicine is extremely proud of Dr. Sander’s appointment to the Commission,” said Dr. John A. McDonald, dean of the University of Nevada School of Medicine and vice president for health sciences. “His scientific and professional knowledge in this area of research will play a crucial role in fulfilling the Commission’s charge in improving the quality of life for thousands of Americans who suffer from digestive diseases.”

The Commission, which was established by Dr. Elias A. Zerhouni, will conduct a scientific overview of NIH-funded research and research-related activities in digestive diseases and identify recent research advances and new and emerging opportunities for future research. The Commission will also develop a 10-year plan to address important goals for research in digestive diseases and make recommendations to the NIH Director.

Zerhouni cited the toll digestive diseases take on the health and well-being of Americans as the impetus for creating the Commission. “With more than 70 million people affected and 1.4 million disabled, now is the time to examine the state of digestive diseases research and to develop a plan to most effectively take advantage of advances in the field,” Zerhouni said.

The Commission is composed of 16 appointed members who represent a broad diversity of scientific and professional experience in the field of digestive diseases. In addition to the 16 appointed members, the Commission will include 18 nonvoting ex officio members from the NIH and other federal government agencies involved in digestive diseases research.

"It is truly an honor to join the NIH Commission,” Sanders said. “This appointment demonstrates the national prominence of research at the University of Nevada School of Medicine in the discipline of gastroenterology.”

Sanders major research interests and activities focus on smooth muscle biology and the effects of transmitters, hormones and other endogenous chemicals on electrical and mechanical events as they relate to gastrointestinal motility. He is internationally recognized for his studies into the basic mechanisms underlying the rhythmic contractions of gastrointestinal organs. Additionally, he is an expert in the cell and organ culture of smooth muscles and interstitial cells of Cajal. Sanders earned his doctorate in physiology from the University of California, Los Angeles and his bachelor of arts degree in chemistry from the University of California, Santa Cruz.

As the state’s only public medical school, the University of Nevada School of Medicine has been meeting statewide healthcare, educational, and clinical needs since 1969. For more information, please visit www.medicine.nevada.edu.