Anesthesiologists, more than most other medical specialists, are clinical physiologists. They are concerned with the pharmacological, physiological, and clinical basis of anesthesia and related fields, including pain, resuscitation, and intensive care. Thus, every patient whom an anesthesiologist treats is a potential participant in a clinical trial.

The primary objective of most research is to answer a question. To accomplish this, the investigator needs to be successful in posing the question, designing procedures by which information (data) can be collected and gathered, analyzing the data, and interpreting the results. Investigators work best on problems of their own choice and starting on a problem that is not too difficult is advisable for the beginner and on which he or she can obtain expert guidance.

Residents are encouraged to take note of events, interests or ideas (e.g., daily observations that have stimulated curiosity) and formulate them into research proposals. Faculty mentors will help Residents develop an unambiguous question and design a strategy to find the answer. Then, a support staff will help the Resident investigator with protocol development.

Residents have been funded to present their research at national meetings including the American Society of Anesthesiologists, American Society of Critical Care Anesthesiologists, International Anesthesia Research Society, Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists, American Society of Regional Anesthesia, Society of Ambulatory Anesthesia, Society of Education in Anesthesia, Society of Critical Care Medicine, and American College of Chest Physicians. Many residents also are funded to present abstracts at the Gulf-Atlantic Anesthesia Residents' Research Conference, annually.

Our Program has been honored by many Resident awards in the last six years. These include the Residents' Research Essay Contest (American Society of Anesthesiologists), Young Investigator Award (American Society of Critical Care Anesthesiologists), Young Investigator Award (Society of Critical Care Medicine), Young Investigator Award (Society of Ambulatory Anesthesia), and Best Presentation at several Gulf-Atlantic Anesthesia Residents' Research Conference.

Research teaches Residents to evaluate published literature critically, maintain independence of mind, and avoid becoming conventionalized, i.e., victims of time-honored and untested concepts and therapy. Moreover, a research experience fosters in Residents a durable curiosity directed toward seeking an understanding of observations that have no obvious or satisfactory explanation.