Request for Funding

Medical Student Research Fellowship for Summer 2004

Mentor: Karen Kowalske, M.D.
Department: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Room number: CS 4.104
Mail Code: 9136
Phone number: 648-2288
E-mail: Karen.kowalske@utsouthwestern.edu
Project Title: North Texas Burn Rehabilitation Model System (NTBRMS) sponsored by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), U.S. Department of Education.

Human subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable): 0993-36400

Animal subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable): N/A

Project Type (patient-based research, animal-based research, or basic research; this characterization is only to permit a general classification for grouping similar types of projects)

Patient-based research

Brief Description of Project:

The NTBRMS is a federally sponsored research and demonstration project carried out in the department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R). Extensive data relating to major burn injuries are being collected since the past several years. One of the projects we currently wish to initiate is to examine the relationship between frequency and duration of therapy (Physical and/or Occupational Therapy) and range of motion (ROM) of the joints affected by the burn injury. The project involves compiling retrospective data regarding details of therapy received and ROM measurements following therapy session(s). The projected time for completion of this study is 3 months including statistical data analysis and writing the manuscript for publication.

Previous Research Activities or Publications with Medical Students:

Most recent research activity with medical students involved the review of medical records and the NTBRMS database to assess the utility of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) as a predictor of inpatient rehabilitation for persons surviving major burn injury. Vincent Gabriel, MD, BscMed., Chief Resident, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, was involved in this study during his one-month PM&R elective in the department. Required data was gathered and compiled by Dr. Gabriel. He continues to assist with the data analysis component of the study. The study is due for completion in April 2004.

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