Research Opportunities
About Our Residency Research Program
Our anesthesia residency program offers a truly unique research opportunity for residents. The Elective Research Program is a longitudinal program designed to introduce motivated residents to the principles and practice of clinical and translational research. At its core are two elements: a two-week series of intensive didactics aimed at teaching residents the basics of how to conduct successful clinical research and a longitudinal mentored research project. Topics covered in the Elective Research Program include study design, biostatics, novel research techniques, research ethics, and getting research approval.
The aim of the program within the Center for Anesthesia Research Excellence (CARE) is to help residents take solid preliminary ideas and turn them into robust and successful projects to be completed during CA-3 research elective time. Publication of results in peer-reviewed journals is an expected outcome for participants. Once residents self-identify as interested, the Program Director of Anesthesia Resident Research assists them in finding appropriate mentorship from within our Department, Hospital, or the wider Harvard/MIT academic community. The cultivation of this mentorship relationship is a vital element of growth though the course rotation and the research project. In conjunction with this research course, residents interested in research careers have the opportunity to work with Dr. Brian O'Gara, Director of Anesthesia Resident Research. Under his guidance and that of mentors, residents have the potential to apply for T32 grants and other Mentored Career Development grants.
As part of the application process, the residents work with their mentor to complete a description of their research project. Residents from the Department of Anesthesia apply for the course during the CA-1 or early CA-2 year. Participants are chosen based on level of interest, academic performance, and quality of the proposal.
This exciting program is just one example of the Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine's commitment to academic excellence and resident education. For additional information, contact Dr. Brian O'Gara, Director of Anesthesia Resident Research.
Anesthesia Research Opportunities
Residents are invited to participate in the following research opportunities:
Loring Scholar/Clinical Scientist Research Track
The Loring Scholar/Clinical Scientist Research Track is a four-year program that trains future clinical scientists and leaders in anesthesia research.
Elective Research Program
Our Anesthesia Elective Research Program helps residents take novel ideas and turn them into successful research projects published in peer-reviewed journals.
Research Mentors
Residents will be trained and mentored by established researchers in anesthesia, critical care, and pain medicine.
Trainee Engagement
Participation in research during residency provides a wonderful opportunity to contribute to cutting edge projects and embark on a career as a clinician scientist, guiding the future of the specialty.
Residents can serve as a co-investigator while completing other clinical rotations.
The Division of Cardiac Anesthesia has developed and maintained a solid research program consisting of “home grown” clinical projects, primarily centered around transesophageal echocardiography, as well as multi-disciplinary, multicenter clinical trials.
All members of the Critical Care Division maintain active research interests, including intensive care outcomes, echocardiography in the ICU, mechanical ventilation, lung recruitment, resuscitation from cardiac arrest, and hyperoxia in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass.
The Division of Obstetric Anesthesia has a number of active projects currently underway. Residents and fellows are encouraged to participate in or conduct clinical research.
Research continues to thrive in the Division of Pain Medicine. Division members participate in studies supported by intramural and extramural grants. Our fellows receive guidance and are encouraged to participate in any ongoing studies.
Headache research at BIDMC is housed in several dedicated labs committed to treating and preventing migraines and chronic pain in the head and face.
Our researchers are dedicated to finding the causes and treatments for acute and chronic inflammatory diseases.
The Education Division actively studies new teaching methodologies and technology to improve medical education.
Perioperative Outcomes research is dedicated to advancing the understanding and improvement of perioperative care to enhance patient safety and optimize surgical outcomes.
Improving Quality, Safety, and Innovation in healthcare is a top priority for BIDMC researchers.
Research Opportunities
Our Department is committed to academic excellence, resident education and anesthesia research. For additional information, contact Dr. Brian O'Gara, Director of Anesthesia Resident Research.