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[ GRANDCHALLENGES ]

UA Health Sciences, Banner Health Partner on Largest

NIH Award in Arizona History

by Danielle Gartner

he University of Arizona Health The All of Us Research critical care physician who, in addition to
TSciences and Banner Health received serving as principal investigator of the UA-
a $9 million award from the National Program award may total as Banner Health All of Us Research Program,
Institutes of Health in April for the All of much as $60 million over five is chief education officer for Banner –
Us Research Program, which may total years and is tied to a larger University Medicine.
as much as $60 million over five years, Theodorou’s older sister was diagnosed
representing the largest NIH award in national effort to enroll with stage 4 colon cancer at 47 and suffered
Arizona history. 1 million or more participants from severe side effects rather than
The award is tied to a larger effort, across the nation. benefitting from the most advanced cancer
which launched May 6, to enroll treatments she was given. Ultimately, she
1 million or more participants succumbed to the disease.
across the nation. Theodorou was left with many
The UA and Banner were questions about her care after her
among the first organizations death. Why was she diagnosed so
selected by the NIH to join the late? Why were better treatment
All of Us Research Program. options not available? What can his
The partnership is ushering family members, who may have
in a new era of academic similar biology, do to prevent this
medicine as it helps build from happening?
one of the world’s largest and “We all have similar questions
most diverse data sets for and experiences as doctors,
precision health research. brothers, parents and spouses.
Led locally by principal My personal wish for the All of Us
investigators Akinlolu Research Program is that answers
Ojo, M.D., Ph.D., MBA; Eric to questions like these can be
Reiman, M.D.; and Andreas discovered so that people like my
Theodorou, M.D., FCCM, sister, people like your mother, the
FAAP, the All of Us Research children I care for and millions
Program seeks to improve more could have better lives, enjoy
treatment and prevention better outcomes and a have a
strategies based on people’s better chance of avoiding disease,”
individual differences in Theodorou says.
lifestyle, environment and To understand both health
genetics. It is a landmark and disease, enrollment is open to
effort to accelerate research individuals of all health statuses.
and improve health through Unlike a research study focused
personalized (or precision) on a specific disease, All of Us
medicine, health care tailored will serve as a national research
to each individual person. resource to inform thousands of
The All of Us Research studies covering a wide range of
Program’s goals are personal health conditions.
Dr. Andreas “Andy” Theodorou has intermittently cared for patient,
for Theodorou, a pediatric
Ariana, for over 10 years. Theodorou has a special bond with his
patients and families, which drives his passion for clinical research.
/ Kris Hanning photo

16 ARIZONA ALUMNI MAGAZINE