Interview with Elaine Gallin, program director for medical research at the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation

Abstract

The Doris Duke Charitable Foundation (DDCF) is an independent private foundation devoted to improving the quality of people's lives through grants supporting four specific areas: the performing arts, wildlife conservation, medical research, and the prevention of child abuse. The foundation was established in 1996 and began awarding grants in 1997. By the end of 2004, more than 500 grants had been awarded to support work in the focus areas. In the area of medical research, the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation has established and developed a number of programs that have been designed to assist in the development of physician-scientists. We spoke with Elaine Gallin, PhD, program director for medical research since May 1999. As the Foundation's first such director, she has played an important role in the creation and management of the Doris Duke grant programs committed to support and strengthen clinical research.