Research
Research that shapes our field
We are committed to promoting research that strengthens our department, advances the field of anesthesiology. Our faculty and trainees have access to a variety of research opportunities ranging from new drug development to monitoring devices to patient-related studies. Research at the University of Minnesota Medical School's Department of Anesthesiology is focused on several different research categories, including: Prospective Interventional Clinical Trials, Prospective Observational Trials, Educational Research, Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS), Laboratory Studies, Retrospective Record Review and Quality Assurance Projects to improve patient outcomes. We have several departmental groups engaged in research including: Cardiothoracic, General Anesthesiology, ICU, OB, Pain, Pediatrics (PEDS) and Regional Anesthesia Provider Services (RAPS).
LABORATORIES
We maintain a fully equipped laboratory dedicated primarily to large and small animal research. In addition, the Department has strong collaborative relationships with many basic scientists throughout the University, the Medical School and the School of Veterinary Medicine.
THE ACUTE PAIN AND REGIONAL ANESTHESIA LAB
The Acute Pain and Regional Anesthesia lab has four main focus areas - Strategies for postoperative pain management in total shoulder arthroplasty (VA); Safety and success of orthopedic surgery under regional anesthesia as the primary anesthetic (VA); Perioperative care of patients on naltrexone and suboxone (VA); Phantom limb pain following amputation (VA); Perioperative care of patients on opiate antagonists/partial agonists (VA).
THE BANIK LAB
The main area of focus for the Banik Lab is on the management of acute postoperative pain - an essential component of perioperative care.
THE BELANI LAB
The Belani Lab is measuring cyanide toxicity and its treatment snd the role of sulfanegen, a new antidote. The team is currently working on an autoinjector for sulfanegen field use to treat cyanide toxicity (Bioterrorism and other exposures).
THE STONE LAB
Current research projects in the Stone Lab utilize both pre-clinical models and patient populations to investigate the mechanisms underlying low back and musculoskeletal pain, the optimization of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments and the epigenetic regulation of chronic pain.
Faculty Research
Our Department is intensely committed to encouraging and supporting the research efforts of our faculty, both in the clinical arena and the basic sciences. We have a team of research assistants who are available to assist in faculty clinical projects (at no charge to the faculty), as well as a well-established internal review and advisory process to help those faculty refine their ideas and to aid them in moving from that idea through the successful completion of that project. Support is also provided for all aspects of the IRB application process.
In addition, we have developed an extensive online educational program to aid new faculty in learning how to conduct high-quality clinical research.
STUDENT & RESIDENT RESEARCH
We provide a wide variety of options, from ASA-supported pathways to individual support in pursuing research during residency. All of our residents complete a quality improvement project. Check Research Connect for specific research projects and opportunities for medical students.
Medical Student Anesthesia Research Fellowship
The University of Minnesota Medical Student Anesthesia Research Fellowship program provides financial support and resources to medical students to spend 8-weeks focusing on anesthesiology research, training in scientific methodology and techniques, and learning how to incorporate research into an academic medical career with the aim of expanding and developing scientific talent in academic anesthesiology, locally and nationally.
Research Dashboard
The Department of Anesthesiology manages a research project dashboard that outlines current research opportunities available to medical students. Students interested in the field of anesthesiology are encouraged to get involved to gain hands on experience and learn about academic research techniques and methods.
Collaboration
We have established a strong collaborative relationship with the University’s Center for Translational Science Institute informatics group that is able to retrieve and assist with the analysis of data from a myriad of sources including our Epic medical record system. Other collaborative efforts involve bioengineering, device development, radiology (in particular, ultrasound), coagulation medicine, pain sciences, neurosciences, neurosurgery and more.