SOCCA Research Committee Update: Driving Innovation and Collaboration Forward

As Chair of the SOCCA Research Committee, I am thrilled to share our latest progress and upcoming initiatives. Over the past months, our committee has been energized by the dedication and enthusiasm of our members, whose collaborative efforts have resulted in significant advancements in the field of critical care anesthesiology.

I have been fortunate to have Emily Vail, MD, MSc (University of Pennsylvania) as Vice Chair, with Matthew Warner, MD (Mayo Clinic) contributing his experience as Immediate Past Chair. The committee is composed of diverse, highly respected experts such as Jacob Basak, MD, PhD, Vijay Krishnamoorthy, and Michael Kiyatkin, among others, all dedicated to steering impactful research initiatives.

The committee also benefits from strong subcommittees like the Data Subcommittee, chaired by David (Josh) Douin, MD (Colorado), with Michael Kiyatkin serving as Vice Chair, and the Research Network Subcommittee led by Marc Lopez, MD, MS (Vanderbilt). These subcommittees are key to driving SOCCA’s collaborative research goals.

New members have joined, bringing fresh perspectives, including Dusan Hanidziar, MD, PhD (Massachusetts General Hospital), Vikram Fielding-Singh, MD, JD (Stanford), and Jarva Chow, MD, MS, MPH (University of Chicago), enhancing the strength of this robust and forward-thinking committee. Together, the committee is well-positioned to continue making meaningful strides in research that enhances patient care and elevates the specialty.

The Research Committee has achieved several notable milestones over this last term. We’ve published key manuscripts addressing intensivist burnout and the evolving clinical practice of critical care anesthesiologists, sparking important discussions within the community. The Speaker Exchange Program has been developed, offering SOCCA members new opportunities to present their work on interdisciplinary platforms, with more to come in this space, adding value to our membership. Additionally, our contribution to Anesthesiology Clinics has allowed us to delve deeper into critical topics, enriching the field with comprehensive research insights.

Under the guidance of our Data Subcommittee, led by Josh Douin and recently joined by Michael Kiyatkin, we are advancing data collection methods with a focus on streamlining SOCCA homegrown surveys and fostering collaborative research efforts with other organizations. We are particularly excited about upcoming collaborative surveys with sister organizations, which will broaden the impact of our work.

The Scientific Writing Subcommittee, chaired by Kate Rosenblatt, is diligently working on a white paper that will outline key research priorities and directions for the future of our specialty. This will be a critical piece for aligning the research agenda across SOCCA, particularly in driving the development of essential ICU datasets

Marc Lopez leads our efforts to enhance research infrastructure and networking. Through an ongoing needs assessment, we are identifying how best to support members with mentorship, collaboration opportunities, and specialized methodology training. 

Looking Ahead

Our committee is committed to continuing its momentum. With ambitious goals on the horizon, including new consensus guidelines, collaborations with the Women in Critical Care group, and initiatives aimed at increasing understanding of critical care needs for other subspecialties, we are confident that our efforts will continue to enhance the critical care anesthesiology landscape.

In closing, I want to express my deepest gratitude for the privilege of leading such an extraordinary group of professionals. The passion, collaboration, and innovative thinking within this committee are a testament to the thriving and growing SOCCA community. Here’s to many more achievements as we continue driving forward the research that impacts the future of critical care anesthesiology.