Medical Student Research Fellowship for Summer 2012

Mentor: Erica Grant, MD                 
Department: Anesthesiology and Pain Management                  
Room number:          
Mail Code: 9068                  
Phone number: 214-590-8347       
E-mail: Erica.grant@utsouthwestern.edu              
Project title: Cultural perceptions of anesthesiologists on pain management during labor and delivery       

Human subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable):       Pending IRB approval

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

Project Type: Survey

Brief Description of Project:
This survey will analyze the cultural perceptions of anesthesiologists on pain management during labor and delivery. Although there is data on the patient’s perception of pain and acceptance of regional analgesia, there is sparse literature describing provider perceptions. This survey aims to fill this gap in awareness.

The student will develop and distribute a well-formed anonymous survey to be sent to practicing academic obstetrical anesthesiologists (at medical centers with an anesthesiology residency program) across the United States. At current, we have identified 131 medical centers that meet the aforementioned criteria. The survey will be distributed in the beginning of May via SurveyMonkey. If no correspondence is received by 2 weeks, a second request will be sent again via SurveyMonkey. Finally, if no response is received 2 weeks after the second request, a final request will be sent by US mail. After collection of survey responses, data will be analyzed and reported in percentages. A manuscript will then be prepared for publication submission.

The goal of this survey is to complement the results of a retrospective study done at Parkland Hospital entitled, “Racial differences of analgesia requirements in labor and delivery”. Data has been collected on more than 700 patients. Data analysis will be done this year and a manuscript will be prepared for publication submission.

Results from these studies will help providers explore their own cultural perceptions, raise cultural awareness, and help address disparities in labor pain management.

Previous Research Activities or Publications with Medical Students:
Although I don’t have any experience working with medical students in particular, I do work with residents and I have a commitment to advancing medicine through research and education. I have publications, two of which are very recent. As a clinical research scholar, my dedication to research is evident. Also, my commitment to trainees is evident, as I have developed the first research database of its kind in the Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Management. The database was developed and is maintained specifically for medical students, residents, and fellows to identify potential research projects for them to work on with faculty members.