Megan H. Bair-Merritt, MD, MSCE looks forward to diving into her role as Boston Medical Center’s first Chief Scientific Officer and working collaboratively with the Research Operations team. Executive Director Tina DaSilva has been working very closely with Dr. Bair-Merritt as she transitions into her new role. She had the opportunity to ask Dr. Bair-Merritt a few questions and learn more about what inspired her to take this position.
Grab a cup of coffee or tea and learn more about Dr. Megan Bair-Merritt.
Tina: What inspired you to be BMC’s first chief scientific officer at this time?
Dr. Bair-Merritt: I am excited and honored to serve as BMCHS' first chief scientific officer. We have an incredible community doing cutting-edge research, with deep commitment to health equity and to partnering with our patients and community. I believe that we are at a moment in time where there is energy and recognition that access to research is core to our mission of providing exceptional care. I look forward to collectively achieving a vision of leading the country in high-quality, interdisciplinary research that tackles our patients, and the country’s toughest health challenges, while advancing health equity.
Tina: What are BMC’s biggest areas of research strengths?
Dr. Bair-Merritt: I'm enjoying uncovering many of these strengths during early listening tours I have been involved in. We have exceptional research going on across the translational spectrum – from basic science research in the Center for Regenerative Medicine (CReM), to clinical drug and vaccine trials, to community-based research in topics such as substance use and health-related social needs.
Tina: Where do you see BMC’s research program in the next five years?
Dr. Bair-Merritt: I am excited to partner with our research community to grow our national reputation, “accelerate research with and for people,” (thanks to the Clinical Research Network “CRN” and Clinical Trials Office “CTO” for that motto), and build a strong and connected community of researchers and staff.
To learn more about Dr. Bair-Merritt and the collaboration with Research Operations email ResearchCommunity@bmc.org.