National Jewish Health - Research and Education

Research and Education

In 1914, National Jewish erected a building for the study of TB. This became the first place, outside of a medical school setting, which research on the disease was done.

Early advances included the nation's first self-contained facility for treating children with active cases of TB, work on anti-TB drugs such as isoniazid (INH), and the use of microbiological assay measurements to determine the proper dosage of INH in the 1950s. These advances were furthered by implementing new TB treatment protocols that substituted physical activity for bed rest and; prescribed a combined drug therapy using streptomycin, INH, and para-Aminosalicylic acid. As TB gradually came under control in the United States, asthma and other respiratory diseases were added to National Jewish’s mission, but a strong presence was maintained in TB research, including the development of better drugs, and expansion of education efforts. Rifampin, the most widely used drug for TB today, was tested at National Jewish in 1970 and two years later, a state-of-the-art laboratory was opened to study difficult TB cases, establishing National Jewish as a highly specialized center for multiple drug-resistant TB (MDR TB) and atypical mycobacterial infections. In 1963, a 1- to 2-week TB control course was offered for specialists from all over the world (and is still offered today). Indeed, over the past 20 years, nearly 5,000 physicians and nurses have visited Denver for the course.

National Jewish Health continues to be a steady contributor in the fight against TB including patients with MDR TB, often providing treatment for the poor at no charge. National Jewish Health is still developing new drugs, in collaboration with leading pharmaceutical companies. The greatest contribution of National Jewish Health in the fight against TB, is, perhaps, education. In addition to the annual TB course offered since 1963, the hospital maintains a Mycobacterial Consult Line, a service whereby physicians anywhere in the world can call and receive free advice from specialists. This service responds to over 2,000 calls annually.

In addition, the Kunsberg School, a day school program for students in grades K – 8, is located on the grounds of National Jewish Health at 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, Colorado. Children who attend the school have medical problems, which may cause frequent absences from school, and may require medical assistance during the normal school day. Each student enrolled at the Kunsberg school is referred by a physician. All economic, racial and ethnic groups are eligible. The school is non-sectarian, and students come from throughout the Denver metropolitan area. There is no tuition at the Kunsberg school, it is funded wholly by National Jewish Health and the Colorado Department of Education.