Marie Bernard
Power Words
Where were you born?
USA
What school did you attend?
Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, PA
What IC do you work for?
The National Institute on Aging (NIA)
How many years have you worked at the NIH?
10 years
What gained you interest in the NIH?
I served on the National Advisory Council on Aging at National Institute on Aging. I was intrigued by the view of the inner workings of the organization. When the opportunity to become Deputy Director was made known to me, I thought it would be a great opportunity to help guide research in aging.
What kind of work do you do at the NIH?
Administration
What message would you like to send to young Blacks who are considering going to college?
College is an essential. It is hard work, and an adjustment from high school. However, it is a unique opportunity to focus on personal growth and expansion of the intellect.
Why did you choose to pursue a career in research?
I was drawn to a career in academic geriatrics, including research, clinical care, and education, by the challenges I saw in the care of older adults. My transition from academic medicine to NIH in 2008 allowed me to facilitate a broad agenda of research to enhance the aging process.
What would you say is your most significant contribution to science or medicine?
My most significant accomplishment prior to coming to NIH was serving as the founding chair and endowed professor of the Donald W. Reynolds Department of Geriatrics at University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. At its founding the department was only the third department of geriatrics in the United States.
Regarding your career here at NIH, what accomplishment are you the most proud of?
I am most proud of leading implementation of the 21st Century Cures Act mandate to consider inclusion of pediatric and older populations in clinical studies. This resulted in the Inclusion Across the Lifespan policy, effective 1/25/19.