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July 2001
Volume 65 |
Number 7
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RESIDENTS' REVIEW
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| Keeping
Anesthesiology Research Alive |
Basem B. Abdelmalak, M.D.
Committee on Research
I feel the same way about anesthesiology: If it does not have research,
it is dead. The leadership of ASA has realized the importance of
scientific research and has encouraged it. As a result, major advances
in the field of anesthesiology have occurred. For example, the Institute
of Medicine (IOM), in its 1999 report “To Err Is Human,”
stated that “Anesthesiology has successfully reduced anesthesia
mortality rates from two deaths per 10,000 anesthetics to one death
per 200,000-300,000 anesthetics administered. This success was accomplished
through a combination of technological changes, information-based
strategies and dedicated anesthesiologists with special interest
in science, research and true dedication to patient care.”
One major focus of ASA is to encourage young anesthesiologists
to embark on a career in research. To this end, ASA formed the
Committee on Research, and recently I have been honored to represent
our resident component as an adjunct member of this committee.
I wish to inform you of my recent experiences with this committee
and provide some hints to help those of you who may consider applying
for a research grant from the Foundation for Anesthesia Education
and Research (FAER). In addition, several research resources and
opportunities are available throughout ASA for residents and junior
staff.
The ASA Committee on Research, chaired by Michael K. Cahalan,
M.D., Salt Lake City, Utah, meets biannually. One of its members,
C. Alvin Head, M.D., Boston, Massachusetts, was the first resident
member appointed to this committee. Some of the committee’s
most important functions are to judge the annual ASA residents’
essay contest, review and score FAER grant proposals for the New
Investigator Award, Research Starter Grant and the Education Grant
in both basic and clinical sciences.
At my first committee meeting, I sat next to some of the most
respected leaders of anesthesiology research to participate in
the process of reviewing grant proposals. In addition, I was able
to witness the sincere efforts of the various committee members
as they tried to detect the strengths and weaknesses of each grant
proposal. Their constructive criticisms of the grant are meant
to encourage and direct junior researchers toward the right way
of conducting sound scientific research.
I have learned a lot about the process of grant review and would
like to share some insider hints with you. Not only can these
tips help you write a more solid proposal, they also may prevent
delays in the review process and perhaps even outright rejection
by reviewers:
• Choose a novel question to investigate, one that needs
to be answered.
• Choose an appropriate mentor(s) with special expertise
in your study area, even if you have to go outside your institution.
• The title and the abstract should clearly reflect your
study methods or your expected outcome(s).
• Make sure you meet all the criteria and requirements
before you submit.
• If you are re-submitting, make sure that you have addressed
all the concerns of the previous reviewers.
• A strong organized write-up on your first attempt is
instrumental in this process. Allow yourself adequate time to
write the grant and let senior advisors carefully review and
edit your work prior to submission.
• A scientific background and previous research experience
by the grant candidate are always noted; however, novel, well-thought-out
proposals by first-timers are equally welcome. In my short time
on the committee, I have already seen one grant by a novice
research candidate, and it was met with much enthusiasm.
• Be aware of the tremendous research opportunities and
grants that are available to junior investigators. Table 1 outlines
not only the Web sites where you can get more information about
the ASA residents’ essay contest but also research opportunities
offered by related organizations.
In conclusion, the research committee is in place to encourage
and support residents and junior staff to begin a rewarding career
in academic anesthesiology. ASA is here to support your efforts,
and we need more young researchers in this difficult time of limited
financial reimbursements. Take advantage of the vast research
opportunities that are available to you as an ASA member. Furthermore,
I would encourage all my colleagues to get involved with their
ASA component societies at the state level and work their way
up to the national level. Personally speaking, it is a priceless
experience to join ASA committees such as the Committee on Research.
I have enjoyed it. It is a great learning experience, and I wish
for all my colleagues to have the opportunity to experience it
for themselves.
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Basem B. Abdelmalak,
M.D., is a Critical Care Anesthesiology Fellow, Cleveland
Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio. |
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