Ochsner Academics hosted the Annual Ochsner Research Week from 21 to 23 May 2024, celebrating twenty-one years of research excellence at Ochsner.
This milestone in the research calendar included lectures from Ochsner team members and special guests, podium presentations and an evening poster session.
Professor Leo Seoane, Chief Academic Officer, Ochsner Health said this important annual event has grown through the years and continues to serve as a showcase for the exciting and innovative research conducted by Ochsner physicians, scientists, clinicians, nurses, pharmacists, students, residents and fellows.
This year, Research Week was planned with a focus on Pediatrics, and featured special lectures from Ochsner team members and guest speakers.
Lectures on 23 May began with opening remarks by Professor Leo Seoane, and were followed by a variety of speakers including keynote speaker Dr Jeffrey Teckman who presented on How Research Discovers, Understands, and then Cures Disease.
In the evening, there were 100 poster presentations available for viewing in the Riverview Room of the Benson Cancer Center.
Taylor Ogden, a 2023 UQ-Ochsner graduate and 2023 Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Award recipient said having the opportunity to do research during this time between graduation and starting residency has been incredible.
“Ochsner Health has amazing resources and I've felt so supported in my endeavour to explore clinical questions that interest me through this fellowship,” said Taylor.
Medical students are encouraged to undertake research opportunities that arise during the course of their degree both at The University of Queensland and Ochsner Health.
Jae Ermer, a current UQ-Ochsner medical student said it is a balancing act managing your MD studies and research, but also a privilege and important experience in medical education.
“It is incredibly helpful to get outside feedback and insight into your own study to make it stronger,” said Jae.
Many people were recognised for their contribution during the awards ceremony, including Ava Zamani who took the Best UQ-Ochsner Student Presentation, Dr Salima Qamruddin for Medical Student Research Mentor of the Year, and Dr Sharon Shu, a 2023 UQ-Ochsner medical graduate who was awarded Best Postdoctoral Research Fellowship presentation.
Dr Salima Qamruddin said she was deeply honoured to have received this award.
"Fewer research mentors are women, it's very exciting and motivating to be recognized.
“I hope to continue to be a role model for junior researchers, as well as their partner on this journey," said Dr Qamruddin.
Learn more about Research Week and view the poster presentations until the end of June.
