Research is a critical ingredient in the Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine (ACCM). Over the past thirty years, Anesthesiologists have become increasingly important contributors to both basic science and clinical research. To be effective, this research has required an increased understanding of basic physiology, pharmacology, genetics, molecular biology, bioengineering, epidemiology, and biostatistics. As Anesthesiologists have acquired these skills, this specialty has witnessed an increased understanding of basic cardiovascular and pulmonary physiology, pharmacology of anesthetics, analgesics and anesthetic adjuncts, and the molecular biology and genetic basis of diseases which affect the practice of medicine. If Anesthesiology is to continue to improve the safety of care that is provided to an increasingly complicated group of patients of increasing age, and to continue to attract the most competent care providers into the specialty, we must provide the best training possible, both in clinical care as well as in investigative endeavors.

The faculty of the Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine is comprised of individuals with M.D., M.D./Ph.D. and Ph.D. degrees. The department philosophy is that our faculty, in addition to being excellent educators and providing the highest quality compassionate patient care, must also advance knowledge in our specialty and in medicine globally. These individuals interact and collaborate in many important research areas and are well-trained cardiovascular and pulmonary physiologists and pharmacologists, biochemists, molecular and vascular biologists, neuroscientists and clinical outcome scientists who have common research interests, particularly with respect to the brain, heart, lung, and muscle. One important function of our department is to perform excellent research, with research performed in basic science, as well as clinical areas, being held in high standard. Hypotheses must be well-delineated, and the experiments must be conducted based on sound scientific quality, utilizing valid procedures, methodologies, and techniques. We have also developed both intra- and interdepartmental research programs which provide extraordinary opportunities for research. The Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine is particularly interested in providing Anesthesiology Residents and Fellows a foundation for a strong career in scientific endeavors in both clinical and basic science research. This interest represents the culmination of our department's commitment to academic and intellectual excellence. One critical aim of the department is to bridge the gap between basic research and clinical medicine by performing research of the highest quality in both areas (translational research). The key aspect revolves around the idea of having M.D.'s and Ph.D.'s working together both in the research laboratory as well as in the clinical facilities.

For Fellowship training in the Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, most programs can be tailored specifically for one's own interest. Research is a key component of the training program, and as such, protected time is made available for research while maintaining our department's goal for excellent clinical training. In the in vitro and in vivo laboratories and in the operating rooms or intensive care units, our faculty guide projects, mentor and assist in teaching our Residents and Fellows the essentials of basic and clinical research. This includes experimental methodologies and techniques, instrumentation, data analysis, and publication of completed studies. There are also opportunities available to present work to peers locally and at national meetings.

Our laboratories, operating rooms, intensive care units, and pain clinics are currently equipped to study a wide range of clinical and basic science questions. In addition, we have both adequate space and financial resources to ensure that our work is completed appropriately. Research ideas can originate from either clinical or basic science sources, and research can be conducted in our laboratories or in our clinical facilities. The department's educational goals are not only to provide outstanding clinical training, but also to provide an adequate introduction to research so that those who desire can pursue academic excellence with the tools necessary for a successful career in Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine.

John A. Ulatowski, M.D., Ph.D., MBA
Director
Professor