Research is defined by Mirriam-Webster as a "careful or diligent search." At Akron General Medical Center, we define research as the careful or diligent search for knowledge and experience to help us expand basic scientific understanding, grow the practice of medicine, and ultimately improve the delivery of healthcare.
The addition of a small laboratory in 1926 marked the beginning of research at Akron General Medical Center. In 1987, the Kenneth Calhoun Research Laboratory officially opened to facilitate resident projects. Today, residents and staff have access to this 10,000 square-foot facility for gaining advanced experience with scientific research, but also for exploring clinical issues - the real life problems that physicians encounter in practicing medicine.
Our physicians, residents and medical students benefit from the support of a team of research professionals, who are available to assist in all areas of the research process. These may include project development, technical procedures, data analysis, grant applications and preparing presentations and publications. Patients benefit from access to prevention and cutting edge therapies and devices. The community benefits because we continually incorporate research into everyday practice by helping to identify the need for early screenings for at-risk populations, to improve early emergency care at the scene and to study how outside factors of a person's lifestyle might affect the way we provide care.
The Kenneth Calhoun Research Laboratory is licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and accredited by the American Association for the Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC).
Specialized laboratories include:
- Tissue culture lab
- Cadaver lab
- Microbiology lab
- Biomaterials/mechanical testing analytical lab
- Surgical lab
- Computer lab
Basic Science Lab Studies
Basic science research is conducted in areas such as biomechanics, wound healing, cancer, immunology, physiology and biochemistry. The laboratory is equipped and technical staff is available to perform a variety of cellular and molecular procedures including tissue culture, fluorescent microsopy, high performance liquid chromatography, immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting. The lab also has a material's testing machine (Instron) and a small machine shop. Computer capabilities include computer modeling and image analysis/digital imaging,
The Kenneth Calhoun Lab collaborates with The University of Akron, Kent State University and the Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine (NEOUCOM), major area teaching institutions as well as Summa Health Systems and Children's Hospital Medical Center for various projects.
Current studies being conducted at Akron General Medical Center include:
- Biomaterials and Biomechanical Testing
- Bone and Joint Computer Modeling
- Tissue Engineering
- Tumor Cell Invasion and Metastasis
- Wound Healing
You Can Support Research
Funding for the Kenneth Calhoun Laboratory is made possible through contributions to the Clinical Research Fund of the Akron General Development Foundation. Increasing volumes or research projects and their complexity has increased the need for continued financial support. To support the Kenneth Calhoun Laboratory at Akron General Medical Center and its projects, please contact the Akron General Development Foundation at 330-344-6888.
Calhoun Research Laboratory
Akron General Medical Center
400 Wabash Avenue
Akron, OH 44307
330-344-6947
