SAAAPM to Partially Fund 2024 FAER Grantee Dr. John Park

September 26, 2024

The Foundation for Anesthesia Education and Research (FAER) thanks the Society of Academic Associations of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine (SAAAPM) for its generous support in partially funding the Mentored Research Training Grant awarded to John Park, MD, PhD, in spring 2024. Dr. Park is an HS Clinical Instructor and T32 Fellow with the University of California, Los Angeles’ Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine. His grant is titled Targeting LYSYL-OXIDASE-LIKE-2 in Right Ventricular Remodeling Secondary to Pulmonary Hypertension.

Mentored Research Training Grants (MRTG) help physician-investigators develop the skills, preliminary data for subsequent grant applications, and research publications needed to become independent investigators. These grants are eligible to faculty members who have completed their core anesthesiology residency training within the past 10 years and comprise $250,000 in funding over a two-year period.

“FAER is honored by SAAAPM’s support in funding Dr. Park’s Mentored Research Training Grant. With the critical role research plays for our specialty, it’s crucial that we ensure early-career investigators are equipped with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive. Collaborative support like that offered by SAAAPM is profoundly impactful in this regard. We join them in their enthusiasm in seeing how Dr. Park’s research will help shape the future of anesthesiology.”
- Dolores B. Njoku, MD, Chair of the FAER Board of Directors, and Max B. Kelz, MD, PhD, President and Chief Scientific Officer of FAER

FAER reached out to Dr. Park with a series of questions to shed light on his research journey, the research he’ll conduct through his MRTG, and more. We are pleased to share his responses with you below.

What led you to pursue anesthesiology as a specialty, and, more specifically, what led you to pursue anesthesia research?

“I began my career as a pharmacologist, drawn to the potential of discovering new therapies and positively impacting countless lives. This passion for research naturally influenced my choice of medical specialty. With the help of my mentors, anesthesiology stood out to me as the perfect fit given my strong interest in drug discovery and applied physiology. This specialty allows me to leverage my background in pharmacology while engaging in direct patient care, ultimately contributing to both innovative practices and improving patient outcomes. The dynamic nature of anesthesiology, coupled with its commitment to evidence-based practices, motivates me to contribute to meaningful improvements in patients’ health.” 

Before being awarded your MRTG, you also took part in FAER’s Resident Scholar Program (RSP) in 2023. Can you tell us a little about your experience with the RSP?

“I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of the FAER’s Resident Scholar Program. I found the most valuable aspect of this program is being surrounded by like-minded peers who share the same passion for advancing medical knowledge. Also, the travel stipend is a thoughtful benefit, especially while on a resident salary.”

Please tell us a little about the research you’ll conduct through your MRTG.

“Patients with right heart failure due to pulmonary hypertension present significant challenges in perioperative anesthesia management. The function of the right heart is the most critical determinant of morbidity and mortality in these patients, making a deeper understanding of the pathophysiology essential. My research project aims to unravel the unique molecular mechanisms contributing to right heart failure and to identify potential druggable targets. This work not only seeks to enhance our understanding of the condition, but also to pave the way for innovative therapeutic strategies that can improve patient outcomes.”

How would you describe the value in organizations like FAER and SAAAPM coming together in support of anesthesia research and those who conduct it?

“Given the pressing need to increase the number of physician-scientists in our specialty, collaborations between organizations like FAER and SAAAPM are invaluable in expanding our research efforts. I am truly grateful to both FAER and SAAAPM for their support in enhancing extramural funding opportunities for early-career physician-scientists like me. This support is crucial for anyone establishing their long-term career as a physician-scientist.”

Why would you recommend aspiring anesthesiologists to consider a career in research and academia?

“If you chose a career in medicine to make a difference and improve patient health, I encourage anyone to strongly consider a path in research. It offers the chance to contribute to the development of new techniques, drugs, and guidelines that enhance patient outcomes and safety in anesthesia. You are part of a collaborative environment with access to multidisciplinary teams and cutting-edge equipment, which can lead to innovative solutions for complex problems. A career in academia provides opportunities to educate and mentor aspiring trainees, fostering the next generation of leaders in our specialty with brighter ideas. While there are many compelling reasons to pursue research and academia, this career can be incredibly fulfilling, and it allows you to blend clinical practice with innovation and education.”

Do you have any final advice for others interested in pursuing anesthesia research and FAER grant funding?

“My advice is to focus on a specific interest and question within anesthesiology that truly excites you. This passion will drive you to deepen your understanding and identify gaps in knowledge. Build a strong network of mentors and colleagues who can offer valuable insights and guidance on your scientific proposals. Identify the key research techniques and experiences you’ll need to address your research question effectively. Afterwards, set realistic and achievable goals with clear timelines. Demonstrate feasibility through preliminary data that highlights the potential impact of your research. Familiarize yourself with funding sources, such as FAER, to support your work. Be persistent and open to feedback from your mentors, and most importantly, enjoy the process.”

Please join FAER in thanking SAAAPM for its support and congratulating Dr. Park on his award.

For those interested in applying for an MRTG of their own, applications will next open on December 1, 2024, as part of FAER’s Spring 2025 Grant Cycle. Visit FAER.org/MRTG to learn more about this funding mechanism.

FOUNDATION FOR ANESTHESIA EDUCATION AND RESEARCH (FAER)
FAER is a related organization of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). For over 35 years, FAER has been dedicated to developing the next generation of physician-investigators in anesthesiology. Charitable contributions and support to FAER help fuel the future of anesthesiology through scientific discovery. Funding priorities include: Research, Education, and Training. At the time of this article's publication, FAER has awarded more than $58 million in research grants and programs since 1986. To donate to FAER, visit FAER.org/donate.