In the bustling laboratory of our Sepsis & Critical Illness Research Center’s T32 training program, a vibrant cohort of residents is tirelessly pushing the boundaries of surgical research, each with their own unique story to tell and a passion for making a difference in patient care. Our residents are proud to present their groundbreaking research at the prestigious Association for Academic Surgery (AAS), showcasing their dedication to advancing surgical knowledge and improving patient outcomes. With passion and expertise, they contribute valuable insights to the forefront of academic discourse in surgery.
Meet Dr. Valerie Polcz, whose recent abstract recognition with the Association for Academic Surgery (AAS) earned her an Outstanding Resident Research Award in Clinical Outcomes and has sent waves of excitement through our program. Her work, titled “Severe Trauma Induces Acute Sarcopenia, Frailty, and Altered Myokine/Chemokine Profiles in the Elderly,” dives into the complexities of trauma in the elderly. Through her dedication, Dr. Polcz sheds light on the challenges of geriatric trauma care, reminding us of the importance of tailored interventions for our most vulnerable patients.
Now, let’s turn our attention to Dr. Evan Barrios, whose presentation on “Chronic Critical Illness vs Rapid Recovery Induces a Unique Blood Monocytic Response after Sepsis” captivated the audience. Dr. Barrios explores the aftermath of sepsis, comparing the journeys of those experiencing chronic critical illness to those bouncing back with remarkable speed. His findings not only deepen our understanding of the body’s response to sepsis but also offer hope for targeted interventions that can improve outcomes for patients.
And then there’s Dr. Jeremey Balch, whose passion for language and surgery has led his scholarship to explore “Traditional NLP and pre-trained LLMs for Multilabel Classification of Operative Notes.” Dr. Balch delves into the world of natural language processing, seeking ways to streamline the classification of operative notes with the help of cutting-edge technology. His work not only promises to make transcription for surgeons more efficient but also holds the potential to revolutionize how we document and learn from surgical procedures.
These stories from our T32 residents remind us that behind every groundbreaking discovery and award-winning presentation is a journey fueled by curiosity, perseverance, and a desire to improve the lives of patients. As we celebrate their achievements, we’re reminded of the power of collaboration, mentorship, and the human spirit in shaping the future of surgery. Together, we look forward to the continued impact of their work and the countless lives they’ll touch along the way.
On a final note, we extend our gratitude to our T32 program mentors, whose guidance and support have been essential to our residents’ journey. Congrats to all!