Spokane seeking a few good minds

Spokane’s growing biotech sector is
planning its next big step.
Washington State
University-Spokane and a group
representing area hospitals have a
formal funding request for $5.5 million over three years on the desks of the
state’s congressional delegation.

Stephen H. Dunphy The Seattle Times

The plan is to go for human capital by
adding some scientific talent. The proposal for a three-year grant from the
National Institutes of Health would go for full-time medical researchers.

Spokane has the largest clinical-medicine community between the Twin Cities
and Seattle, according to the Spokane Area Biotech newsletter. The idea is to
create "the Northwest version of the Mayo Clinic," according to proponents.

Hospitals in the Spokane area already provide advanced medical services through such centers as
the Heart Institute and Sacred Heart Medical Center. It’s a tough road, but Spokane already has
several key elements — buildings, infrastructure, continuing research grants — that could help the
city pull it off.

Stephen H. Dunphy’s phone: 206-464-2365. Fax: 206-382-8879. E-mail:
[email protected].

Copyright © 2002 The Seattle Times Company

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