2021 WakeMed Foundation Clinical Research Award Recipients Named
April 22, 2021
The WakeMed Clinical Research Institute (CRI) and the WakeMed Foundation are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2021 WakeMed Foundation Clinical Research Award. The two projects that were chosen are led by Laura Dosier, MD, (Pediatric Pulmonology), Carrie Dow-Smith, MD, (Pediatric Primary Care), and Tim Harris, MD (Wake Orthopaedics).
The WakeMed Foundation Clinical Research Award supports investigator-initiated research at WakeMed by providing up to $10,000 to be used for scientifically-sound research projects that align with the mission of the CRI.
"The Clinical Research Institute has significant infrastructure to support industry-sponsored research, but we also wish to support and encourage original research at WakeMed – led by our own WakeMed team. Thanks to the generosity of the WakeMed Foundation, we are able to fill a gap and offer new ways to fund this work," commented Bill Lagarde, MD, Medical Director (Clinical Research Institute).
Dr. Dosier's project will focus on long term pulmonary outcomes in children after COVID-19 infection. Currently there are no studies describing pulmonary function abnormalities in pediatric survivors of COVID-19 infection. Documenting the long-term effect of COVID-19 infection will help inform future recommendations for evaluation and treatment of this population.
Dr. Dow-Smith’s project will take a longitudinal approach to understand the relationship between early adversity and accelerated biological aging by correlating adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) with several biological stress markers, including telomere length, epigenetics, blood inflammatory markers, and hair cortisol levels. Early adversity has been linked to range of negative social, cognitive, physical and mental health outcomes across an individual’s life span. The larger project aim will not only be to identify this link but to impact it using evidence-based parenting interventions to mediate this stress in the parent and child. Dr. Dow-Smith’s work will align with WakeMed’s LAUNCH+ program, which is part of a nationally recognized, family-centered initiative that aims to improve child wellness systems.
Dr. Harris will conduct a pilot study to assess patient compliance with brief mindfulness training as a method to improve surgical outcomes. The impact of psychological distress on patient outcomes has been well studied and interventions to reduce distress have been shown to improve patient outcomes and overall sense of well-being. Dr. Harris’ project will utilize video-based mindfulness instruction for patients undergoing total hip and knee replacement.
About the WakeMed Clinical Research Institute
The Clinical Research Institute provides the infrastructure, leadership, training, and resources to promote integrated scholarly activity, enhance research productivity, increase external funding, and deliver exceptional clinical study results. The Original Research division strives to promote a culture of research, scholarly activity, and collaboration at WakeMed through investigator initiated research efforts. The Sponsored Research division conducts industry funded medical device and pharmaceutical trials, as well as various grant funded projects, providing unsurpassed service, a collaborative environment and streamlined processes for our valued clients.
About the WakeMed Foundation
WakeMed Foundation is the philanthropic partner for WakeMed Health & Hospitals, supporting the health system in its mission of improving the health and well-being of our community. The WakeMed Foundation is committed to impacting the lives of patients by supporting WakeMed’s aspirational goals. For more than 25 years, the WakeMed Foundation has supported the development of new facilities, innovative health programs and meeting the needs of WakeMed’s patients and staff.
For Additional Information:
WakeMed Health & Hospitals
Kristin Kelly | Phone: 919-350-5921
Email: krkelly@wakemed.org