The annual Ochsner Research Day is an opportunity for physicians, scientists, nurses, pharmacists, residents, fellows and medical students to showcase the innovative and exciting research conducted across the Ochsner Health system.
This year marks the 20th year of Research Week, which featured special lectures from guest speakers on May 23 and 24, and more than 25 podium presentations.
Professor Di Eley, Director MD Student Research said the prestige of Research Week provides our medical students with opportunities to present their research, meet fellow Ochsner researchers and develop future research collaborations.
“I’m always delighted that a day is devoted to podium presentations and includes UQ-Ochsner medical students,” Professor Eley said.
May 25 lectures began with opening remarks by Professor Leo Seoane, Chief Academic Officer, Ochsner Health, and were followed by a review of Ochsner Research over the past 20 years by Professor Mark Roberts, Dean of Research, Ochsner Health, and research presentations on cardiovascular research.
The keynote address was delivered by University of Iowa’s Professor Barry London on the Search for New Arrhythmia Genes and Therapies.
There were 100 poster presentations available for viewing in the Riverview Room of the Benson Cancer Center.
Dr Anna Suessman, UQ-Ochsner Pediatric Clerkship Director said the poster evening was an exciting experience that enabled everyone to see our students', residents' and fellows' research, and reunite with recent graduates.
“I’m so proud to be amongst motivated and brilliant physicians across two hemispheres,” Dr Suessman said.
Four current UQ-Ochsner medical students were chosen to give podium presentations, including fourth-year medical student Kali Juracek.
Kali said she has been fortunate to have several opportunities to pursue research during her time at UQ-Ochsner.
“Getting to participate in Ochsner Research Day this year was special because not only was I able to present a poster, but I was also chosen to give a podium presentation on a project I participated in during Phase 1 of my studies,” Kali said.
“I was also able to undertake my observership (after year 1) at Queensland Children’s Hospital and stay on as a research assistant for the pediatric renal team throughout my second year.
“Being able to bring this research back to Ochsner was a full circle moment for me.
“It was an excellent opportunity to talk about a project that I am passionate about and practice public speaking in a comfortable and supportive environment.
“It was an honour to be chosen as a medical student presenter and discuss my research with peers; I was highly impressed with everyone’s presentations."
Many people were recognised for their contribution during the awards ceremony, including Jonathan R. Hill, MBA who took the Best UQ-Ochsner Student Presentation, Dr Kathy Jo Carstarphen for Medical Student Research Mentor of the Year, and Dr Charles Sisk, a 2022 UQ-Ochsner medical graduate who was awarded Best Postdoctoral Research Fellowship presentation.
Dr Sisk said the fellowship is a wonderful opportunity for recent graduates of the UQ-Ochsner cohort to conduct research projects during the 6-month interim between graduation and residency.
“My project looked to identify emergency contraception deserts in south-east Louisiana, specifically after the US Supreme Court Dobbs decision. We also looked at how such deserts are further complicated by socioeconomic barriers to healthcare access,” Dr Sisk said.
“The fellowship experience itself was the perfect segue from medical school to residency.
“It offered me an opportunity to remain medically involved while also bolstering my research portfolio.”
Congratulations to all the other winners and presenters for their involvement in this important celebration.