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April
2002
Volume 66 |
Number
4
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FAER
REPORT
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| Calling
All Quality Researchers |
Mark J.
Lema, M.D., Ph.D., Immediate Past President
New York State Society of Anesthesiologists
The Foundation
for Anesthesia Education and Research (FAER) has increased the
funding of the research and education awards. We strongly urge
senior residents in the clinical scientist track and junior faculty
to apply before the August 15 deadline. We need high-quality proposals
to investigate new ideas. Six years ago, the number of applications
submitted to FAER was double what we received in 2001. Notably,
we received no Research Fellowship Grant (RFG) applications for
the February 2001 deadline. It is hoped that with the recent increase
in the number of residents, more will opt for the clinical scientist
track and seek support through the RFG.
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FAER
Award Applications 1995-2002
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On a positive
note, 22 applications were received for the February deadline.
If the August 2002 deadline elicits a similar response, we will
be on the cusp of reversing the decline in applications. These
applications were divided as follows: 11 Research Training Grants
(RTG), eight Research Starter Grants (RSG) and three Research
Education Grants (REG). Unfortunately, two RSG and one RTG were
disqualified for failing to conform to application guidelines.
Losing the opportunity to review and critique the work of eager,
enthusiastic prospects on technical merit alone is regrettable.
In the interest of fairness to all, however, applicants must adhere
to strict guidelines. Whether disqualified before review or denied
after the research committee¹s critical evaluation, most applicants
are encouraged to reapply. In fact, we see the application process
itself as a significant part of the service we provide. The meticulous
attention to deadlines and checklists as well as the insights
and recommendations generated by the ASA Committee on Research
all serve to prepare applicants for the rigorous competition for
research funds. FAER is committed to fostering scientific careers
– it is what we believe in, what we espouse to colleagues
and what we champion to industry every day.
FAER Collaboration
With Subspecialty Societies
In addition to our industry sponsors, FAER has collaborated with
a number of subspecialty societies to co-sponsor awards. We have
done this with AGS, AMAAC, ASCCA, ASRA, ITACCS, SAMBA, SCA, SEA,
SNACC, SOBA, SOAP, SPA and STA.* With the help of these subspecialty
societies and several other anesthesiology organizations that
contribute annually to FAER, e.g., The Academy, AACD, ASA, AUA,
SAAC and AAPD,* we expect to keep anesthesiology research alive
and re-energize the academic mission.
We would like
to raise an informal call for proposals from faculty and fellows
conducting or mentoring a study in critical care, neuroanesthesia,
trauma, cardiovascular, pain management, regional, obstetric,
pediatric, ambulatory or office-based anesthesia. The directors
will discuss the merits of establishing platforms for cooperatively
sponsored proposals during their meeting in April. As Myer H.
Rosenthal, M.D., FAER President states in his report (page 15),
anesthesiology research is critical for the continued advancement
and success of our medical specialty, not only for academic anesthesiologists
but for private practitioners, industry and, most importantly,
the millions of patients we serve each year.
In summary,
there is money available for research, and we may be able to obtain
more for outcomes studies and clinical investigations in pain,
pediatrics and many other areas. There is a tremendous need for
anesthesiology research so that we can build upon past progress,
participate in the translation of the genomic revolution into
clinical practice, align this medical specialty with the biomedical
mainstream and remain among the more attractive medical careers
in the years ahead. personnel.
* Resident
Scholars take note: A donation sticker from the FAER booth at
the next ASA Annual Meeting will be given to those who can decipher
the ³alphabet soup.²
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