Elevating Health: Why Top Practitioners and Researchers Matter – Insights from Howard Whiteman | NKyTribune

One year ago, my wife rushed me to the emergency room after a major health scare. An artery in my leg burst unexpectedly, leading to a large and painful hematoma. Thankfully, her quick thinking and a horse bandage stabilized the situation until we could get to the hospital.

Once there, I was quickly transported by helicopter to a larger facility for surgery. The team of doctors, nurses, and flight medical professionals were exceptional. As I reflect on my experience, I wonder if such top-notch care will always be available in the future.

My father often said, "cutting off your nose to spite your face," meaning some actions are just plain foolish. Today, I feel we’re not just cutting off a nose—we’re risking our entire intellectual capacity. We seem to be engaged in a “national lobotomy.”

Training top health professionals involves rigorous education. They study subjects like biology, chemistry, and physics at universities, many of which rely on federal funding. This funding, primarily from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF), supports research that empowers education. Without it, our educational quality and the training of future doctors and nurses could suffer.

When federal funds are cut, it doesn’t only impact health training; it goes deeper. Fields like engineering, wildlife management, and education also feel the pinch. Bigger class sizes and stretched resources lead to a decline in teaching quality. Over time, this could leave our future professionals less prepared.

The repercussions are especially dire in rural communities, where universities are already closing campuses. When institutions like Penn State close branch campuses, it impacts local economies and reduces access to quality education. Nearly half of America’s economic growth is tied to federal research investments—about 400,000 jobs are created through the $37.8 billion in NIH grants each year. Cutting these funds means more than just losing research; it’s about stunting economic growth.

Interestingly, every $100 million invested in NIH funding generates 76 patents and attracts nearly $600 million from the private sector. From 2015 to 2019, university research spin-offs contributed over $700 million to the U.S. economy. This is a clear indicator that funding research is a smart investment.

With global rivals like China advancing in science and technology, we must reconsider our approach to research funding. The majority of Americans likely want a strong, innovative country, and that starts with prioritizing education and health.

I’m thankful for the educators, engineers, and health professionals who have shaped my life. I worry for the future if current trends continue. Investing in scientific research is crucial to combat emerging health crises, climate change, and technological challenges.

Let’s not settle for a diminished version of America. If we regroup and invest in our educational and research systems, we can again bolster our nation’s intellect and capabilities. It’s time to think big and make choices that will lead us back to greatness.

Dr. Howard Whiteman is a professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Murray State University.

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