training in trauma, anesthesiology is “an investment in the future”

Making Research a Priority for Students
 
 

hen the question from a student is, “Can I be involved in medical research?” the answer should always be “Yes,” according to Stephen M. Cohn, M.D., medical director of the Ryder Trauma Center. This attitude gave first-year medical student Chris Dy a summer experience that has influenced his career plans.

As a senior biology major at UM (’03), Dy was in the undergraduate research program and was paired for a semester with Colonel Thomas Knuth, M.D., director of the U.S. Army Trauma Training Center at Ryder. Intrigued, Dy, from Tampa, wanted more research experience before starting medical school. He was exploring several summer programs, including one in California. Knuth took it upon himself to see that Dy kept his interest and talents at UM. “I ran into Dr. Knuth at the end of the semester and he said, ‘Chris, I think I have something for you.’ ”

The “something” was an eclectic exposure to trauma research, with stipend support from the Department of Anesthe- siology, thanks to a “yes” from David A. Lubarsky, M.D., M.B.A., department chairman. Lubarsky sees supporting student-researchers as essential. “We want to recruit great faculty for our department. Where do they come from? From great residents. The great residents come from great medical students who have developed a love of research and the pursuit of knowledge. It’s not magic. It’s a well-considered investment in the right people that will move a research university forward. That’s how you do great things.”

Michael Lewis, M.D., director of medical student education for the Department of Anesthesiology; Kenneth G. Proctor, Ph.D., research director at Ryder; and David J. Birnbach, M.D., vice chair of the Department of Anesthesiology, all helped shape Dy’s summer. He helped with research involving resuscitation fluids used in trauma, with assignments ranging from data collection to an overnight stay with a trauma team.

“I learned that research isn’t just test tubes and looking at cells under a microscope. It starts with an idea and writing a proposal and goes all the way to the hands-on part of trials. It is hard but very exciting. I’d like to stay involved with academic medicine.”

“Research training is essential to the academic medical center mission,” says Proctor. “Teaching students the clinical skills is important. But having them involved in research is our investment in the future.”

Both Lubarsky and Cohn would like research to be part of every medical student’s experience at UM. Research experience can be an advantage in competing for residencies and may turn some students into career researchers. But, according to Cohn, the experience is essential for private practice clinicians.“Once you are practicing, you keep up with medicine by reading. Having research training gives you a critical eye so you know how and when to change.”

The “yes” attitude has made the trauma center a global magnet for students interested in research. Cohn gets requests from around the world. “I always say ‘yes.’ There is always room for someone with a passion for research.”