Committee on Research Update

The SOCCA Research Committee is enthusiastic and energized heading into the 2021-2023 term! As we reflect on the past two years, there has been substantial growth in committee activities. Under the leadership of committee Chair Dr. Robert Stevens and Vice-Chair Dr. Matthew Warner, the committee developed several short surveys designed to assess the current state of anesthesiology-led critical care, including: clinical practice patterns, research initiatives and mechanisms of support, current and future models of anesthesia-based ICU training and education, anesthesiology intensive care engagement in the COVID-19 pandemic, and point of care ultrasound utilization in clinical practice. The first of these surveys has been disseminated to SOCCA members with plans for staged implementation of the remaining surveys. Additionally, we created three subcommittees to enhance the scientific output of SOCCA, including Subcommittees on Data, Research Collaboration, and Task Forces. Finally, we have partnered with other organizations to establish consensus guidelines for various aspects of perioperative management.

As we look ahead to the 2021-2023 term, our committee has grown to 29 members, including the addition of ten new members from diverse backgrounds and practices. The research committee also has five active members on the SOCCA Board of Directors who help ensure alignment of committee activities with those of SOCCA. Dr. Warner has succeeded Dr. Stevens as the Chair of the committee, with Dr. Stevens now serving in the role of Immediate Past Chair. Additionally, Dr. Shahzad Shaefi has been appointed as committee Vice Chair. Drs. Warner and Shaefi are grateful for the service provided by Dr. Stevens and look forward to ongoing collaboration with him to meet the scientific objectives of the committee in the coming years.

Key committee objectives for 2021-2023 include: evaluating the current state of anesthesiology-led critical care practice and research through the implementation of our series of short surveys; disseminating new and important anesthesiology and critical care research findings to SOCCA members, which will include collaboration with the SOCCA Education Committee; facilitating collaborative opportunities for multicenter research; providing an open forum to discuss research ideas and challenges; and creating an infrastructure to support the career advancement of committee members. Most importantly, the research committee aims to provide a safe space for all SOCCA members to meet new people, network, and explore opportunities for collaboration in research and clinical practice.

We look forward to continued growth of the committee, which will include opportunities for other SOCCA members to engage in committee activities. Despite the challenges of the past year, the future is bright!

Authors

Matthew Warner, MD

Chair, Research Committee

Mayo Clinic

Rochester, MN

Shahzad Shaefi, MD, MPH

Vice-Chair, Research Committee

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Boston, MA