The Munroe-Meyer Institute is continuing to adapt to serve the needs of its population. Perhaps one of the biggest changes on the horizon is the addition of primary care services coming in the next few months.
Dean and Director Karoly Mirnics, MD, PhD, spoke about primary care, clinical goals and research growth among other topics during his annual “State of the Institute” address to MMI faculty and staff on Oct. 16.
While there may be bumps along the road in launching primary care services, Dr. Mirnics said, that’s OK. Ultimately, he said, the end goal is worthy and important to the institute.
Brittni Herrera, MD, is the first physician onboard for the endeavor.
“New physician services are exceptionally important to us,” Dr. Mirnics said. “That is our future.”
The institute also has faced financial headwinds because of budget shortfalls, canceled grant funding and the government shutdown. Officials took steps to balance the budget by reducing professional development, limiting travel and increasing philanthropy, among other measures.
Once things stabilize, Dr. Mirnics said, he’s hopeful that some measures will start to be restored.
“We are facing headwinds, but we will be fine,” he said.
Dr. Mirnics pointed to other happenings at the institute:
- An online forum named MMI Connect is in the works that would allow MMI employees — past and present — to interact, ask questions and stay connected. It’s set to launch in spring 2026.
- With focus and guidance, research and grant dollars have quadrupled.
- Clinic goals remain the same, particularly in regard to expanding the network of Autism Care for Toddlers clinics. The goal is to open another five ACT clinics over the next decade.
- A behavioral de-escalation program, created in-house, will be introduced soon.
- The creation of micro-credentialing in intellectual and developmental disabilities, that would grow into certificates and eventually a master’s degree or PhD, is being explored.
- The institute is continuing to develop philanthropic relationships. Philanthropy is less about brick-and-mortar now, Dr. Mirnics said. Instead, it’s about programming.
- A new leadership team has stepped into its roles in various departments. Several staff members have received promotions, too.
- MMI saw more than 130,000 clinical visits in the last year, an increased volume of more than 15%.
- Work continues in the second year of one of the largest grants in the institute’s history. A $9.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education is designed to ensure individuals with disabilities have access to in-demand, good-paying jobs.
- A foundational driving program is working with clients to assess their readiness before getting behind the wheel.