Healthcare Hero Award: Michael Murphy

Dr. Michael Murphy named finalist for the IBJ Healthcare Hero Award

April 5, 2007

Dr. Michael Murphy was honored by the Indianapolis Business Journal at the Heathcare Heroes Breakfast as a finalist in the Advancement in Health Care category. Murphy was chosen for his role as the only physician in the country conducting an FDA approved Phase I clinical trial using stem cell injections to treat patients with peripheral vascular disease. The procedure uses a patient’s own stem cells derived from the bone marrow in the hip. “We don’t run into all the biological consideration whether cells will turn into tumors or the body will reject them,” said Murphy. Sixteen patients from all over the country have come to the IUSM to participate in this trial.

One patient, Ruth Diggs form Staten Island, NY, is very grateful. “We were told that we were at the end of our rope, and I was going to have to lose my leg”, said Diggs. “However we continued to search, and that’s when I found Dr. Murphy. What he is doing for people like me is amazing- it’s life changing and in many ways, live saving.”

“I’m thankful that our patients are appreciative,” said Murphy. “I’m in debt to them for volunteering for the study. They have let us draw blood samples and use their bone marrow for studies. I owe them a lot more than they owe us. They’ve traveled a long way here, and it’s still a gamble for them.” Murphy is doing more than just helping civilians. After learning there was a critical shortage of vascular surgeons, Murphy volunteered for the Army Reserve Medical Corp. He served several months as a vascular surgeon at the main combat hospital in Baghdad, and he plans to return in August for a second tour of duty.