Introduction to Research Night

Marie A. Krousel-Wood

This section of The Ochsner Journal includes the abstracts presented at Ochsner's 8th Annual Research Night featuring 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 to disseminate 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. Among the abstracts submitted, 81 were selected based on scientific merit for presentation at the event: 70 original investigative works in both basic and clinical sciences as well as 11 case reports. Results of community outreach efforts engaging middle school and high school students in research were also included. Investigators engaged in active discussion with attendees regarding progress to date and future directions for research. A common theme was evident: translating research findings into improved clinical practice.

The Alumni Association gave the inaugural Ochsner Alumni Association Resident Research Award to the best resident research poster. The winner was selected from 28 entries and received a cash prize. Dr. Jennifer Silinsky, a resident in the Department of Colon and Rectal Surgery, received this year's award for best resident research poster, entitled “CD133 as a Marker for Lymph Node Metastasis.”

The original research abstracts published in this issue reflect results from individual and collaborative initiatives in basic science investigations, epidemiologic studies, and clinical trials with children and adults and target key areas in healthcare, including cardiovascular disease, transplantation, endocrinology, gastroenterology, orthopedics, infectious diseases, hematology-oncology, maternal and child health, radiology, rheumatology, colorectal disorders, ophthalmology, urology, anesthesiology, and critical care. In addition, program evaluation, new models of care, economic assessments, medication adherence, nursing research, quality improvement, and health services are also highlighted. Results of this research may inform clinical decision-making through better understanding of factors associated with disease and outcomes, decision support methods, disease screening, outcomes prediction, quality of care improvement, and program effectiveness and efficiency.

Ochsner's Research Night and this issue of The Ochsner Journal allow us to showcase the accomplishments of our investigators, educators, administrators, and clinicians who are dedicated to advancing medical knowledge and improving patient care. The diversity of the abstracts presented fosters our commitment to serve, heal, lead, educate, and innovate. We look forward to continued participation and support as we seek to identify new ways to improve the health of the population.