Support Our Work
Primary care is much more than preventing illness. At its best, primary care promotes physical, emotional and mental well-being through patient-centered, comprehensive care for the individual as a unique person. The Division of General Internal Medicine (DGIM) is committed to providing the best primary care possible.
DGIM physicians and clinical staff care for tens of thousands of patients each year at the hospitals and clinics of UPMC and the Veterans Administration Pittsburgh Healthcare System. Additionally, the division addresses individual diverse health needs through specialty health clinics for
- differently abled individuals,
- LGBTQIA Individuals and
- medically underserved individuals.
Nationally recognized research at DGIM seeks to improve the practice of primary care medicine by elucidating the many complex factors that impact patient health. Research programs focus on the study of
- complex chronic medical conditions,
- behavioral health,
- promoting health equity for all populations,
- managing and preventing pain,
- palliative care and medical ethics,
- doctor-patient communications and
- many other important topics.
Help the Division of General Internal Medicine Make a Difference
Philanthropy lays the foundation for what we do, and you can support the breadth and depth of this important work. Your gift ensures continued growth and discovery within DGIM. Our supporters are partners who help us envision new possibilities and improve treatment outcomes.
Areas of Greatest Need
The following funds represent the programs that most need philanthropic support. You can designate your gift to any of these important programs.
Internal Medicine Academic Support Fund
All donations to the division are important and welcome. Unrestricted donations to the Internal Medicine Academic Support Fund are especially essential because they allow the greatest flexibility of use. Your gift might be used to support a current research study, to fund novel paths of discovery, to initiate a new program for patients or to offer continuing professional development of clinical staff.
Excellence in Medical Education
This fund supports continuing professional development and specialized training needs within DGIM, including but not limited to support for physicians, researchers, fellows and students.
Substance Treatment and Recovery Service
The Substance Treatment and Recovery Service, or STARS, provides addiction expertise to people who are admitted to the hospital for treatment of a substance use disorder. Our team manages withdrawal, initiates medications for substance use disorder and ensures patients have the correct substance-related care for their needs after discharge. We provide the best care possible to people with addiction—without stigma or prejudice.
Caring for Complex Chronic Conditions Research Center (C4)
Our work addresses diabetes, heart disease and other similar and multiple chronic conditions through innovations in health care delivery, self-management support and technology. The Caring for Complex Chronic Conditions Research Center brings together experts from a range of disciplines, including clinical medicine, health behavior and social science, statistical modeling and health care organization to improve health and health care for adults with chronic health conditions. We work directly with patients and their families, health care providers and communities.
Birmingham Free Clinic and the Program for Health Care to Underserved Populations
For more than 30 years, the Birmingham Free Clinic has provided primary and specialized health care to individuals at its walk-in and specialty clinics. For most of that time, the clinic was located on Pittsburgh’s South Side. In 2023, it moved to its new home, adjacent to Mercy Hospital, in the Uptown section of the city. Although the clinic’s medical director is DGIM faculty, most health services are provided by physician volunteers—representing a dozen medical specialties—as well as pharmacists, dentists, therapists and students from the six schools of the health sciences at the University of Pittsburgh, in addition to AmeriCorps volunteers.
CONVERGE/Reproductive Bridges Coalition
Created in late 2016, the Reproductive Bridges Coalition aims to ensure access to contraceptive services for all individuals in Western Pennsylvania. The coalition comprises health champions across the region who are committed to advancing reproductive health through the conduct of rigorous research to inform policy, educational forums for policymakers and other key stakeholders, and support for clinical and policy efforts to optimize access to the full range of birth-control options.
Types of gifts accepted include:
- Cash, Check or Credit Card
- Stock/Securities/Wire Transfer
- Other Assets
- Memorial Gifts
- Unrestricted Gifts/Designated Gifts
- Estate/Planned Gifts/Gift Annuities
Matching Gifts
Your gift may be increased if you work for a company with a matching gift program. Spouse and retiree gifts may also be matched. Please ask your employer for details.
All gifts—no matter the size—make a world of difference. Thank you for your consideration.
Need more information?
You and your loved ones may have questions, or your legal or insurance liaisons may need additional information. To make a contribution or for answers to any questions, please contact Senior Director of Development Anne Immekus at ami16@pitt.edu or 412-251-3012.
Checks payable to “University of Pittsburgh” (be sure to note the program you wish to support) may be sent to:
Anne Immekus
University of Pittsburgh and UPMC
Forbes Tower, Suite 8084
3600 Forbes Avenue at Meyran Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Please indicate if your gift is in honor of a care provider or in memory of a patient.
Your contribution may be tax deductible. Contributions to the University of Pittsburgh are tax deductible as provided by law. Official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free at 1-800-732-0999. Please consult with your tax advisor before making a contribution or taking a tax deduction.
