The Frederick M. Binkley Research Award
Celebrating a Legacy in Vascular Health Innovation
Dr. Frederick M. "Ted" Binkley, who passed away at the age of 84, left an indelible mark on the medical world with his 50-year career dedicated to advancing vascular surgery. As one of the founding figures of UCSF's Department of Vascular Surgery—the first specialized department of its kind globally—Dr. Binkley was at the forefront of developing the delicate surgical techniques essential for treating blood vessels, shaping the field of vascular surgery as we know it today. Even after retiring from his professorship at UCSF, Dr. Binkley remained actively involved in the medical community, serving as a chief surgical adviser and continuing his passion for teaching and research.
This is his legacy.
About Dr. Frederick M. Binkley
Dr. Frederick M. "Ted" Binkley, who passed away at the age of 84, left an indelible mark on the medical world with his 50-year career dedicated to advancing vascular surgery. As one of the founding figures of UCSF's Department of Vascular Surgery—the first specialized department of its kind globally—Dr. Binkley was at the forefront of developing the delicate surgical techniques essential for treating blood vessels, shaping the field of vascular surgery as we know it today. Even after retiring from his professorship at UCSF, Dr. Binkley remained actively involved in the medical community, serving as a chief surgical adviser and continuing his passion for teaching and research.
This is his legacy.
The words of his daughter, Anna Binkley, a force in her own right, explain beautifully why her father inspires this award:
The eldest of three children, I recognized my father possessed qualities I not only admired, but hoped someday to emulate. He was dedicated to patient care and research, compassionate, and generous. As a vascular surgeon, this meant long hours away from home and many missed family gatherings.
He visited every one of his hospitalized patients twice a day, every day. Our home phone (the only phone in those days) was not for socializing but to be left clear just in case of an emergency at the hospital, a colleague reaching out for a consult, or a bereft family member needing support. He left home early and came back late, tired but satisfied he was doing his absolute best.
When, as a young adult, I did my physical therapy internship at UCSF Medical Center, nurses and technicians approached me with stories of my father, impressed most that he acknowledged them as equals, remembered them by name (asking after family), and listened to/valued their input, always.
These co-workers saw my father as a man who prided himself on excellence - dedicated to his profession and to heartfelt interactions with others. They saw him as I did - a unique and wonderful human being.
The Award
The Frederick M. Binkley Research Award, launched at the 2023 Vascular Health Innovation Summit, is a collaborative patient-centered research award that supports pilot research that drives forward vascular science innovation to realize better health for all. Its collaboration-based structure is designed to encourage new translational patient-centered research partnerships that require seed funding to grow into wide-reaching solutions that improve people's lives.
Objectives
To stimulate translational research in vascular health that has an impact on patient lives in the near-to-medium term
To foster collaboration among researchers, healthcare professionals, and patients.
To improve patient outcomes through innovative approaches to vascular disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Grant Details
Award Duration and Funding: Up to 16 months, with a total award of $75,000.
Collaboration Requirement: Projects must involve collaboration between multiple investigators and institutions.
Patient Engagement: Proposals must include patient advisors in the project's design and execution.
Areas of Interest
We welcome proposals that:
Develop and utilize predictive models for disease risk and progression.
Explore new biomarkers and best practices in medical management.
Address disparities in vascular health outcomes.
Translate research findings into actionable strategies for healthcare providers and patients.
Application Process
Eligibility is limited to those investigators invited to apply by the Foundation to Advance Vascular Cures. Applications from other investigators will not be considered. For more information on the award and how to receive an invitation, please contact us at grants@vascularcures.org.