Introduction to Research Night

This section of The Ochsner Journal includes the abstracts presented at Ochsner's 7th Annual Research Night, showcasing recent scientific activities and scholarly works conducted by Ochsner researchers and other collaborators. Results of several of these investigations have been presented over the past year at regional, national, and international scientific meetings, fostering our goal of disseminating research findings to the scientific and medical communities. The event was held in the Brent House Atrium and included attendees from Ochsner, collaborators from local institutions including Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center and Tulane University, and partners from the University of Queensland. Staff physicians, residents and fellows, basic scientists, nurses, pharmacists, administrative fellows, biostatisticians, and epidemiologists comprise our investigator pool. A total of 72 original investigative works in both basic and clinical sciences as well as 17 case reports were presented. Investigators engaged in active discussion with attendees regarding progress to date and future directions for research. In addition, results of community outreach efforts engaging middle and high school students in research were featured.

The original research reflects results including basic science investigations, epidemiologic studies and clinical trials with children and adults and targets key challenges in health care in the areas of cardiovascular disease, transplant, gastroenterology, infectious diseases, maternal and child health, radiology, rheumatology, ophthalmology, urology, critical care, and cancer, to name a few. In addition, several abstracts highlight advances in epidemiologic methods, new models of care, medication adherence, nursing research, resident education, quality improvement, health services, and infection control and prevention.

The editorial board greatly appreciates the continued interest and efforts of the investigators, educators, administrators, and clinicians who took part in this year's event. We look forward to your continued participation and support as we seek to identify new ways to improve the health of our patients and our community.