A research program is measured not only by the work taking place within its laboratories, but also how the representatives of that program extend their expertise "beyond the bench." And in Children's Mercy's case, that measure extends literally throughout the world.

For example, Gregory Kearns, PharmD, PhD, Chairman of the Department of Medical Research at Children's Mercy, who was selected to serve as the United States representative to the pediatric subcommittee of the Essential Medicines Committee of the World Health Organization (WHO). This subcommittee is developing a first-ever list of "essential pediatric medicines" for use throughout the world. Dr. Kearns also has been appointed to a permanent position on the overall Essential Medicines Committee.

WHO also has invited Dr. Kearns to serve as a pediatric clinical pharmacologist member on a new special task force which is looking at the drugs currently available to treat children with tuberculosis and will create a blueprint for the development of new, pediatric formulations of antituberculosis drugs that will be used to treat this disease worldwide. Dr. Kearns also serves on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Clinical Pharmacology Advisory Committee, which is increasing its focus on testing new drugs specifically for use by children and developing new drugs designed for children's unique needs.