Research Opportunities

Cardiology | Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism | Gastroenterology and Hepatology | General Internal Medicine | Geriatrics | Infectious Diseases | Nephrology | Oncology/Hematology | Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine | Rheumatology/Immunology

DIVISION OF CARDIOLOGY

Detection and Modulation of Vascular Inflammatory Events

Principal Investigator: Daniel R. Anderson, MD, PhD
Granting Agency: National American Heart Association

OPTIMUM Lead Insulation Material Registry

Principal Investigator: Daniel R. Anderson, MD, PhD
Granting Agency: St. Jude Medical

DEfibrillators To REduce Risk by MagnetIc ResoNance Imaging Evaluation (DETERMINE)

Principal Investigator: Daniel R. Anderson, MD, PhD
Granting Agency: St. Jude Medical

CryoFACTs Trial: CryoCath Freezor CryoAblation Catheter System

Principal Investigator: Arthur Easley, MD
Granting Agency: CryoCath Technologies, Inc

Placement of Coronary Sinus/Left Ventricular Pacing Leads with Endocardial Solutions, Incorporated Nav-X Guidance Protocol.

Principal Investigator: Christopher Erickson, MD
Granting Agency: St Jude Medical, Endocardial Solutions

Microbubble Potentiated Ultrasound as a New Method of Declotting Thrombosed Dialysis Grafts and Examination of the Effect of Ultrasound Attenuation on Thrombus Dissolution

Principal Investigator: Thomas R. Porter, MD
Granting Agency: ImaRx Therapeutics

Sonothrombolysis of Vascular Clots with Targeted Bubbles

Principal Investigator: Thomas R. Porter, MD
Granting Agency: NuVox Pharma

Targeted Blood Brain Barrier Permeability Changes with Ultrasound and Microbubbles

Principal Investigator: Thomas R. Porter, MD
Granting Agency: National Institutes of Health

The Definity Real Time Perfusion During Dobutamine stress Echo Database

Principal Investigator: Thomas R. Porter, MD
Granting Agency: Lantheus Medical Imaging

Regadenoson Real Time Perfusion Study

Principal Investigator: Thomas R. Porter, MD
Granting Agency: Astellas Pharma Inc

Advancing Academic and Community Practices Through IAIMS

Principal Investigator: John R. Windle, MD
Granting Agencies: DHHS/NIH/National Library of Med

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DIVISION OF DIABETES, ENDOCRINOLOGY AND METABOLISM

Faculty in the Section of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism are predominantly focused on basic and clinical studies on the pathophysiology, prevention, and treatment of diabetes and its complications, and prevention and treatment of transplant or cystic fibrosis related bone disease. We would welcome any residents interested in getting involved in either a basic or clinical research project related to any one of the areas below or possibly others that may come available. You can contact any of the faculty directly about topics below or contact Dr. Larsen (559-4837) to discuss your interest in research.

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DIVISION OF GASTROENTEROLOGY/HEPATOLOGY

Carol Casey, PhD; ccasey@unmc.edu

  • Alcoholic liver injury studies
    • Examination of interactions of vaious liver cell types following alcohol administration using animal models
    • Utilization of knockout mice to examine altered receptor function and its role in liver injury
    • Examining a role for impaired endocytosis during alcoholic apoptosis

Terrence M. Donohue, Jr., PhD; 995-3556 tdonohue@unmc.edu

  • Ethanol, protein catabolism and liver cell injury
    • Impairment by ethanol metabolism of hepatic proteasome activity and on the subsequent formation of Mallory-Denk bodies (i.e protein aggregation). Alleviation of protein aggregation by proteasome activation
    • Mechanisms of hepatic steatosis (fatty liver) after acute (vs chronic) ethanol administration
    • Role of specific transcription factors in hepatic steatosis and their regulation by antioxidants
    • Ethanol-induced suppression of hepatic autophagy. Role in alcohol-induced liver injury
  • One-month opportunity
  • Title:Multi-level regulation of autophagy by alcohol in liver cells
  • Overview:Autophagy ("self eating" ) is a natural process by which cells digest their own contents in lysosomes, particularly when nutrient supplies are low. Recent evidence indicates that autophagy profoundly affects (or is affected by) the progression of certain disease states, including liver injury from alcohol abuse.  We have evidence that acute alcohol (i.e. binge drinking) stimulates autophagy while chronic heavy drinking inhibits the ability of liver cells to carry out normal autophagic degradation. We wish to investigate this multi-level regulation in liver cells by measuring  autophagy using current methodologies
  • Resident work scope:Measure autophagic biomarkers in cells subjected to short-and long-term ethanol exposure and to different doses of ethanol. End points will include autophagic biomarkers, cellular protein content and cellular triglycerides. Laboratory methods will include  electrophoresis and blotting, cell culture and flow cytometry.
  • Anticipated outcomes:Early alcohol exposure will stimulate autophagy  by enhancement of autophagic marker synthesis. Longer periods of exposure will suppress autophagy by blocking movement of autophagic cargo to lysosomes.  
  • Faculty involved: Terrence M. Donohue, Jr., Ph.D (Professor);Paul G. Thomas (Senior Research Associate). 

Duygu Dee Harrison-Findik, DVM, PhD; 402-559-6355 dharrisonfndik@unmc.edu

  • Title: Iron metabolism and liver diseases

  • Overview: The main research focus of Dr. Harrison-Findik is the molecular regulation of iron metabolism in the liver.  Although iron is essential for a variety of key biological processes, it can also cause cellular injury. However, the molecular mechanisms of iron overload are unknown.  Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of iron metabolism in the liver is  of considerable clinical importance because iron acts as a risk factor increasing the severity of disease.  Hepcidin is an antimicrobial peptide and an acute phase protein synthesized in the liver. It plays a key role in the regulation of iron metabolism.  Our laboratory and others have shown a potential role for hepcidin in iron overload observed in alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and hepatitis C viral infections.  We are currently employing transgenic and dietary models of diseases to study the molecular mechanisms of hepcidin regulation by liver diseases and angiotensin II.  

Kusum K. Kharbanda, PhD; 995-3752 kkharbanda@unmc.edu

  • Alcohol-induced alterations in methionine metabolic pathways resulting in the development of liver injury
    • Consequent methylation defects that lead to the development of alcoholic steatosis, apoptosis and the accumulation of altered proteins - hallmark features of alcoholic liver injury.
    • Efficacy of betaine and betaine analogs and esters in preventing and treating liver injury of various etiologies including alcohol and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

Natalia Osna, MD, PhD; 995-3735 nosna@unmc.edu

  • Chronic hepatitis C: antigen presentation, interferon signaling, proteasome function in liver cells
  • Chronic hepatitis C: effects of interferon alpha treatment
  • Effects of ethanol on liver cells: antigen presentation, interferon signaling, proteasome function

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DIVISION OF GENERAL INTERNAL MEDICINE

The Division of General Internal Medicine has a strong history of students and residents participating in new and ongoing research projects. Several faculty in General Internal Medicine are involved in research projects, the majority of which are investigator-initiated.

All may be reached at 559-7502

Rachel Bonnema, MD MS rbonnema@unmc.edu

  • Title: Women's Health Research
  • Overview: Currently Dr. Bonnema is working on two projects: Emergency Contraceptive Controversies (To describe providers’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding the prescription of ullipristal and emergency contraceptives) and Providers' Approach to Screening in Women's Health.  However, any clinical or educational topic within women’s health would be reasonable to discuss.
  • Resident work scope: Variable, depending on timing.  May include working with Dr. Bonnema on new project development, writing an IRB proposal, data collection, or work in education such as curriculum or workshop development based on previous findings
  • Anticipated outcomes: Depending on timing may include IRB proposal or workshop/abstract presentation at a national meeting.
  • Faculty involved: Rachel Bonnema, 559-2530, rbonnema@unmc.edu

James Campbell, MD campbell@unmc.edu

  • Medical information technology applications

Gay Canaris, MD MSPH gcanaris@unmc.edu

  • Impact of PQRI on physician behavior and outcomes
  • Correlating thyroid function with functional capacity among geriatric patients
  • Preventive medicine
  • Women's health

Kelly Caverzagie, MD

Projects:

Title: Competency-based medical education (CBME)

Overview: CBME is an approach to medical education that emphasizes demonstration of learner outcomes as opposed to the traditional curricular-based structures and processes of education.  It requires that learners demonstrate the necessary knowledge, skills, values and attitudes that are necessary to function within and meet the needs of the current and future health care system.

Resident work scope: The resident will work with Dr. Caverzagie to identify and implement innovative educational curriculum and assessments that are rooted in CBME.

Anticipated outcomes: Revised educational opportunities that improve resident and faculty experience and learning. This will most likely involve curriculum development, revision of assessments and potentially presentation/teaching to learners of all educational levels including faculty.

Faculty involved:  Kelly Caverzagie

Title: Internal Medicine mentoring peers in an academic career track (IMMPACT)

Overview: The goal of this faculty peer mentoring group is to facilitate the professional growth and developmet of early-career general internal medicine faculty who have an interest in educational research and the application of educational principles.  Elevation of the academic profile of the UNMC Department of Internal Medicine is anticipated. Due to the educational nature of this goal and the focus of mentoring, resident involvement in various research and scholarly projects is anticipated.

Resident work scope: Work with various faculty members who are members of IMMPACT on research and other scholarly projects that are designed to improve teaching, learning, assessment and feedback.  Residents should discuss scholarly interests with or propose specific projects to IMMPACT faculty members for guidance, feedback and mentoring.

Anticipated outcomes: Completion of scholarly projects resulting in presentation and/or publication on the regional or national stage. The development of mentoring relationships between faculty and residents is also anticipated. 

Faculty involved: members of IMMPACT include Drs. Micah Beachy, Shannon Boerner, Rachel Bonnema, Kelly Caverzagie, Emily Leasure, Sarah Richards, Jason Shiffermiller, Christopher Smith, Andrew Vasey and Chad Vokoun

Gale Etherton, MD gmetherton@unmc.edu

  • Through the Omaha VAMC, working on quality and safety issues. (Improvement capability grant through the VA)
  • Quality improvement at UNMC, along with General Internal Medicine colleague Julie Fedderson, MD

Katie Kueney, PhD

  • Relationship counselling and intervention

Phyllis Nsiah-Kumi, MD pnkumi@unmc.edu

  • Childhood obesity and diabetes in underserved communities

Jason Shiffermiller, MD jshiffermiller@unmc.edu

  • Perioperative care of orthopedic patients

Projects:

Title: Chronic angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors in intermediate risk surgery

Overview: A randomized, blinded study comparing the continuation vs. discontinuation of ACE-inhibitors perioperatively. main outcome intraoperative hypotension. Beginning enrollment in October.

Resident work scope: Resident opportunities include data collection, analysis and writing of the manuscript.

Anticipated outcomes: Publication

Faculty involved:  Drs. Jason Shiffermiller, Chad Vokoun, Micah Beachy and Andrew Vasey

Title: Midtown multimorbidity project - BCBSNE fund

Overview: A case management intervention to prevent readmissions in Midtown clinic patients with multiple chronic illnesses.  Pre-post intervention design.

Resident work scope: There is a resident already helping coordinate this study.  There would be an opportunity to assist that resident with implementation, data collection, analysis and writing.

Anticipated outcomes: Publication

Faculty involved: Drs. Jason Shiffermiller and Andrew Vasey

 

Christopher Smith, MD csmithj@unmc.edu

  • Patient safety/quality improvement
  • Resident education

Title: Emergency Department to In-patient Handoff Communication

Overview: Our study aims to investigate the between-unit handoff process between the Emergency Department and the in-patient setting.  This will include survey-based evaluation of provider experience and attitudes, direct observation and event flow mapping, and development of interventions to improve this vulnerable patient care transition.

Resident work scope: Willing to work with residents to identify their particular interest area.  Would include development of surveys, literature review (IRB, abstracts, etc.), future study design and implementation

Anticipated outcomes: Better understanding of barriers to effective handoff communication and ultimately development of interventions to improve the process.

Faculty involved: Christopher Smith (IM) and Michael Wadman (ED)

Other Projects: Competency-based handoff utilizing ACGME Milestones, Teaching root-cause analysis through the use of an interactive teaching conference.

Tom Tape, MD tgtape@unmc.edu

  • Clinical judgement, decision analysis and prediction rules

Chad Vokoun, MD cvokoun@unmc.edu

  • Perioperative care of orthopedic patients

Robert Wigton, MD wigton@unmc.edu

  • Clinical judgement, decision analysis and prediction rules

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DIVISION OF GERIATRICS AND GERENTOLOGY

The Section of Geriatrics offers rich clinical research opportunities to staff, fellows, residents, and students. Dr. Jane Potter and Dr. Brenda Keller have served as research mentors for trainees at all levels. The Geriatric Assessment Clinic at UNMC has been the source of a comprehensive clinical database on geriatric functional status, physical and emotional well-being, social interactions as well as severity and etiology of dementia.

Stephen J. Bonasera, MD, PhD; 559-8409 sbonasera@unmc.edu

Title: Normal CNS aging in human and mouse models

Overview: Our laboratory strives to understand the mechanisms underlying the functional losses of mobility and energy balance that accompany normal aging. We approach this problem from a variety of experimental methods. At the most granular level of detail, we study how aging changes gene expression in whole CNS tissue (both human and mouse) and selected CNS cell types (microglia, neurons, astrocytes in mouse). We use genetic pathway "dissection" techniques to determine the role that specific molecules contribute to aging in primary cultured mouse cerebellar granule cells. We use confocal microscopy techniques to quantify synapse density and structure in the young and old mouse cerebellum and hypothalamus. We complement these findings with MRI-based neuroimaging to quantify excitatory neurotransmission in the cerebellar granule cell layer and hypothalamus of young and old mice. We use state-of-the-art behavioral techniques to assay both energy balance and mobility behaviors in young and old mouse cohorts over long periods to quantify age-related changes in mobility, circadian rhythm, feeding, and drinking. Finally, we translate these findings to human populations by developing a system to measure these behaviors in ambulatory, community-dwelling human populations by repurposing inexpensive telecommunication devices such as cell phones. 

Resident work scope: Anticipate a 1 month 80% commitment (half day clinic per week). Resident will pick an active project from the above ongoing efforts. Many of these projects have specific subtasks whose completion can easily occur within a month. Typical projects might include "shepherding" a cohort of mice through the behavioral and energy balance testing procedure (including all intermediate data analyses), performing the cell counts quantifying synapse and molecular immunocytochemistry using imaging software, quantifying excitatory neurotransmission in specific regions of interest in the CNS, performing RT-qPCR assays of gene expression, preparing single cell suspensions of neurons/astrocytes/microglia and validating the results, developing additional primary neuronal cell culture techniques, participating in validation and deployment experiments for translational research studies.

Anticipated outcomes: Realistically, increased appreciation of the process required to fully flesh out the science behind medical practice. By appropriately limiting the scope and extent of these projects, we hope that the resident will be able to significantly complete their subtask, and have ownership of this data and co-authorship of the manuscript describing the results. 

Faculty involved: Will work extensively with Dr. Bonasera and his research group. For translational studies, will also interact closely with clinical nursing and faculty of the Division of Geriatrics.

Brenda Keller, MD; 559-7519 bkkeller@unmc.edu

  • The relationship of ambient lighting to use of antidepressants and antipsychotics in nursing home residents.
  • Telemedicine as a venue for interdisciplinary teaching of dementia care to rural nursing home staff.
  • Retrospective Data Analysis of the Geriatric Assessment Database to Explore Factors Related to Function and Disability in Older Outpatients.
  • Perceptions of physicians and nursing staff on the availability and quality of mental health services in rural nursing facilities.

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DIVISION OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Diana F Florescu, MD; 559-8609 dflorescu@unmc.edu
Various projects in the transplantation area are available. Contact Dr. Florescu for additional information on current research projects.

Alison Freifeld MD; 559-8650 afreifeld@unmc.edu

  • Bloodstream infections and emerging antimicrobial resistance in fever and neutropenia
  • Assessing 'appropriate' emperical antibiotic therapy in cancer patients
  • Fungal infections immunocompromised hosts
  • Granulocyte transfusions in neutropenic patients with active infections
  • Histoplasmosis in immunosuppressed patients: clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment and course
  • Laboratory diagnosis of infectious pathogens by rapid PCR technology (M. tuberculosis, C. difficileassay in development)
  • Mathematical modeling of tuberculosis epidemiology in resource-poor populations: relationship to HIV transmission and treatment
  • Travel and vaccine clinic: development of new UNMC clinic at Village Pointe to handle global travel medical advice and prevention and vaccination as well as routine vaccinations

Howard Gendelman, MD; 559-3549 hegendel@unmc.edu

Angela Hewlett, MD; 559-8650 alhewlett@unmc.edu

Projects:

Title: Sonication for enhanced diagnosis of prosthetic joint infections

Overview: Infected prosthetic joints are subjected to the sonication procedure in order to increase the yield of cultures to detect causative pathogens.  The cultures from the sonication procedure are compared with routine cultures from the microbiology lab.  Data are collected on each patient via chart review.

Resident work scope: Residents could participate in chart review, or in the laboratory.

Anticipated outcomes: Study was initiated in 2010.  Periodic data analysis is on-going.

Faculty involved: Angela Hewlett MD (Infectious Diseases), Curtis Hartman MD (Orthopedic surgery), Paul Fey PhD (Clinical Microbiology Lab), Kevin Garvin (Orthopedic Surgery), Beau Konigsberg (Orthopedic Surgery)

Title: Enhanced detection of S. aureus colonization in patients undergoing prosthetic joint implantation

Overview: Patients undergoing prosthetic joint implantation are given an infection risk assessment questionnaire, and clinical data is collected.  Cultures are collected from 5 body sites in an effort to identify patients colonized with S. aureus, which is a known risk factor for surgical site infection.  Patients are followed for 2 years post-surgery for development of infection.  The S. aureus isolates are banked, and molecular analysis will be performed on the colonizing isolates as well as any resulting from infection to determine similarity.

Resident work scope: Residents may participate in data collection or analysis.

Anticipated outcomes: Study was initiated in 2012.  We plan to enroll 238 patients.

Faculty involved:  Angela Hewlett MD (Infectious Diseases), Curtis Hartman MD (Orthopedic Surgery), Paul Fey PhD (Clinical Microbiology Lab), Kevin Garvin (Orthopedic Surgery), Beau Konigsberg (Orthopedic Surgery) 

Andre Kalil, MD; 559-8650 akalil@unmc.edu

  • Various projects in the transplantation area are available. Contact Dr. Kalil for additional information on current research projects.

Mark Rupp, MD; 559-5276 merupp@unmc.edu

  • Infection Control Issues:
    • Hand Hygiene: Correlation between hand hygiene and nosocomial infection. Relationship between use of a long-acting hand hygiene antiseptic and antimicrobial resistance.
    • Environmental aspergillus and invasive aspergillosis: Study of correlation between environmental aspergillus and invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised hosts.
    • Device utilization and infection prevention: Study of necessity of invasive device utilization (IV catheters, foley catheters, etc) and infection.
    • Efficacy of Chlorhexidene patient bathing on healthcare-associated infections
    • Role of environment in healthcare-associated infections
  • Antimicrobial resistance/antimicrobial utilization:
    • Correlation between use/resistance
    • Utilization guidelines
    • Significance of serum cidal testing in orthopedic infections and correlation with outcome
  • Prosthetic device infections:
    • Adherence of coagulase-negative staphylococci to biomaterials
    • In-vivo models of prosthetic device infection
  • Miscellaneous projects in specific infectious diseases:
    • Community-acquired MRSA

Uriel Sandkovsky, MD; 559-5392 usandkovsky@unmc.edu

Various projects in the broad area of HIV/AIDS are available. Residents should contact Dr. Sandkovsky for additional information. Visit the following website to view potential projects with Dr. Sandkovsky: http://www.unmc.edu/hiv/

Philip W. Smith, MD; 559-8650 pwsmith@unmc.eud

  • Biopreparedness and public health project examples:
    • Survey of long-term care facility influenza preparedness (published in JAMA)
    • Survey of hospital preparedness (published in the American Journal of Disaster Medicine)
    • Survey of pharmacies regarding oseltamivir stockpiling
    • The use of geographic information technology to evaluate infectious disease outbreaks
    • Tele-epidemiology, the use of distance technology to evaluate infectious disease outbreaks
    • A review of Department of Homeland Security Biopreparedness Target Capabilities list with development of metrics
    • Study of altered standards of medical care in an emergency (in progress)
  • Biocontainment unit projects
    • A study of disinfection of transport units for highly infetious patients
    • A study of methods of disinfection of large equipment used in biocontainment units
    • An analysis of breaks in technique during the donning and doffing of isolation garb
    • Mathematical modeling of airflow in biocontainment units
  • Infection control in geriatrics and nursing homes
    • An analysis of antibiotic-stewardship programs in long-term care facilities (in progress
    • A study of infections occurring in home health care patients
    • A survey of nursing home evacuation plans
    • Mathematical modeling of nursing home influenza outbreaks
    • Field testing of a LTCF preparedness scoring system (in progress)
  • General ID
    • An analysis of patients with a positive semiquantitative IV tip culture, and the outcomes and cost effectiveness of such culture
    • An analysis of cefazolin pharmacokinetics in renal failure patients
    • A study of the impact of VRE carraige on long term survival
    • A study of the impact of, and compliance with, "curbside" ID consult recommendations.
    • The cost effectiveness and utilization of EBV panels
    • A study of prehistoric infectious diseases in archeology and art

Trevor VanSchooneveld, MD; 559-5276 tvanscho@unmc.edu

  • Correlation between antibiotic use and resistance
  • Effect of guidelines on antibiotic use
  • Effect of alternate dosing of antibiotics on patient outcomes
  • Significance and utility of fungal blood cultures
  • Use of antibiotics in "pneumonia"
  • Algorithm based Clostridium difficile diagnosis and treatment
  • A variety of other projects in both antimicrobial stewardship and infection control are available

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DIVISION OF NEPHROLOGY

Jennifer Fillaus, D.O.; 559-9239 jennifer.fillaus@unmc.edu

  • Patient education and outcomes

Marius Florescu, M.D.; 559-9227 mflorescu@unmc.edu 

  • Interventional nephrology

Clifford Miles, M.D.; 559-9227 cdmiles@unmc.edu

  • Kidney transplantation in elderly
  • BK virus nephropathy
  • m-TOR inhibition in kidney transplantation

Troy Plumb, M.D.; tplumb@unmc.edu

  • Vascular access maturation and outcomes
  • Educational techniques for teaching nephrology procedures

Ketki Tendulkar, M.B.B.S.; 559-7287 ktendulkar@unmc.edu

  • Chronic kidney disease and pulmonary hypertension
  • Chronic kidney disease and phosphorus control
  • Kidney donor

Justin Westervelt, M.D.; 559-9293 justin.westervelt@unmc.edu

  • BK polyomavirus nephropathy
  • Infectious complications in kidney transplant recipients
  • Hemodialysis access

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DIVISION OF ONCOLOGY/HEMATOLOGY

Mojtaba Akhtari, MD; 559-3834 mojtaba.akhtari@unmc.edu

  • Title: Research in myeloid malignancies and bone marrow transplant
  • Overview:
    • Clinical research on therapy-related MDS/AML
    • Clinical research on bone marrow transplant and GVHD
    • Translational research on genomics of therapy-related MDS/AML; it is an active lab project
  • Resident work scope:I am open to any ideas/suggestions/projects from the residents in the field of myeloid malignancies and bone marrow transplant. I also have opportunities to look at some data from our institution (Oncobase). The majority of projects would be clinically based.  Having said that, however, if the timing coincides with sample analysis for my ongoing therapy-related AML/MDS project, residents might be able to spend some time in the lab.
  • Anticipated outcomes:Residents could put together an abstract for a national meeting, write a case series or case report to submit for publication, pursue a database review for either abstract presentaton or publication in the area of blood disorders and BMT. They could also help to write book chapters or review articles.
  • Faculty involved: Mojtaba Akhtari, MD; pager 402-888-1089

R. Gregory Bociek, MD; 559-5388; pager 888-2630

  • Title: Research projects in Hodgkin lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and autologous and allogeneic stem cell transplantation, as well as various projects relating to oncology/hematology more generally
  • Overview:
    • Clinical research on the above topics could potentially include:
      • Case reports on unusual manifestations or outcomes of various illnesses
      • Small case series on unusual or unique disease entities
      • Larger retrospective database review projects
      • Assisting in the development and implementation of phase I or II trials in the above topics
      • QI/QA projects in several areas of hematology/oncology
    • The possibility exists for projects in translational research on unusual entities or new markers in various disease entities
  • Resident work scope: We have a database of more than 60 possible/feasible projects that encompass a wide variety of issues relating to lymphoma and stem cell transplantation, also including the possibility of some very good QI/QA projects that would assist our division in looking at ways to change the way we deliver care, costs of care etc.  The resident would have quite a wide array of project possibilities, and the faculty involved would depend in the project desired.  We have excellent statistical support in our division, and no shortage of topics!! The level of project is subject to the resident's time and timeline for completion.
  • Anticipated outcomes and Skills Learned:
    • Expextation would be for a possible abstract submission to a national meeting; manuscript submission for publication, either, or both depending on the project
    • Advancing the resident's knowledge base in hematology/oncology in general
    • Learning how to frame a question, find the best available research methodology to address the question, and design a project that can practically answer the question
    • Learning how to work with databases
    • Learning how to perform and interpret simple statistical analyses
    • Learning about the role and use of multivariate analyses in retrospective datasets
    • Potentially learning about protocol development and implementation
  • Faculty involved: R. Gregory Bociek, MD, Philip Bierman, MD, James Armitage, MD, Julie Vose, MD, Fausto Loberiza MSc.

 Edward Faber, Jr., DO; 559-5520; efaber@unmc.edu

  • Translational research
    • Gene expression profiles of multiple myeloma (MM)
    • Identification of new gene targets in relapsed/refractory myeloma
  • Clinical research
    • Phase I-III clinical trials on MM, AML, stem cell transplantation and GVHD
    • Response rates and survival based on genetic changes of MM
    • Familial genetic links to MM

Apar Ganti, MD; 559-6210; aganti@unmc.edu

  • Clinical trials for patients with lung cancer who are not eligible for standard therapies
  • Disparities in the treatment and outcomes from lung cancer in various ethnic populations
  • Evaluation of novel biomarkers in lung cancer
  • Effect of comorbid conditions on lung cancer outcomes

Fausto Loberiza MD, MS; 559-3234 floberiza@unmc.edu

  • Determinants of patient-centered care in patients with cancer
  • Effect of follow-up care provider source in the outcome of patients receiving stem cell transplantation for hematologic malignancies
  • The value of transplant center accreditation on the outcomes of stem cell transplantation
  • Interaction of biological, psychological, cultural, spiritual and religious domains as determinants of outcomes in cancer patients
  • Phenomenology of patient-care oscillation in the context of continuum of care
  • Implications of tumor cytogenetic classification on cost and medical service utilization of patients with lymphoma

Nicole Shonka, MD; 559-5520; nshonka@unmc.edu

  • Epidemiologic factors in the development of primary brain tumors
  • Clinical and translational research on gliomas
  • Clinical and translational research on CNS metastases and leptomeningal disease
  • Epidemiologic factors in the development o f primary brain tumors
  • Title:  Research in CNS tumors
  • Overview of topics: 
    • Epidemiologic factors in the development of primary brain tumors
    • Clinical and translational research on gliomas
    • Clinical and translational research on CNS metastases and leptomeningal disease
  • Resident work scope and anticipated outcomes:I am open to any ideas for projects for the residents in the area of CNS malignancy. Depending on the amount of time available, residents could put together an abstract for a national meeting, write a case series or case report to submit for publication, or pursue a database review for either abstract presentation or publication in the area of CNS tumors. Depending on current projects, they might also help to author chapters or invited review articles.  All opportunities would be clinically based. However, if time coincides with sample analysis for my ongoing biomarkers project, residents might be able to spend some time in Dr. Batra's lab
  • Faculty involved: Nicole Shonka, MD

Julie M. Vose, MD; 559-3848 jmvose@unmc.edu

  • Clinical and translational research on non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), Hodgkin's lymphoma (HD), and multiple myeloma (MM)
  • Clinical trials involving novel chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and stem cell transplantation for NHL, HD and MM

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DIVISION OF PULMONARY, CRITICAL CARE, SLEEP AND ALLERGY MEDICINE (PCCSA)

Tricia LeVan, PhD; 559-4088 tlevan@unmc.edu

  • Gene and environment interactions in respiratory disease
  • Population-based studies
    • Polymorphisms in pathogen recognition receptors and COPD
    • Effect of agricultural exposure on COPD
  • Molecular-based studies
    • Role of haemophilus influenzae in COPD
    • Epigenetic responses to organic dust

Jill Poole, MD; 559-6266 japoole@unmc.edu

  • Laboratory studies include: evaluation of inhaled environmental bacterial agents and organic dust in innate immune responses in vitro and in vivo.
  • Clinical study - Evaluation of the role of vitamin D in chronic urticaria (hives) and angiodema (swelling).

Steve Rennard, MD; 559-7313 srennard@unmc.edu

  • Long term studies of the natural history of COPD.
  • Evaluation of prostaglandins in the lung in COPD.
  • Assessment of vitamin D and the function of vitamin D binding protein in COPD.
  • Assessment of retinoids as aids for new alveolar wall formation in emphysema.
  • Evaluation of novel approaches to smoking cessation.
  • Evaluation of novel treatments for COPD.
  • Laboratory studies include:
    • Evaluation of the role of circulating stem cells in lung repair
    • Evaluation of the role of stem cell deficiency as a risk factor for emphysema
    • Evaluation of the control mechanisms directing mesenchymal cell mediated tissue repair
    • Evaluation of mesenchymal cells differentiation.
    • Evaluation of control mechanisms that regulate lung repair

Debra Romberger, MD; 559-4875 dromberg@unmc.edu

  • Developing an approach to screening for osteoporosis in patients with lung disease at the VA.
  • Risks (including genetic risk) for agriculture-related lung disease.
  • Smoking cessation in special populations.
  • Protocols for treatment of latent TB infection at the One World Health Center.

Joe Sisson, MD; 559-8834 jsisson@unmc.edu

  • The value of a fertility history in the diagnosis of primary ciliary dyskinesia in patients with lifelong cough and sinusitis.
  • Measuring the cilia-stimulatory (or inhibitory) capacity of human secretions from intubated ICU patients.

Austin Thompson, MD; 559-9101 athompso@unmc.edu

  • Any interested resident, please contact Dr. Thompson to discuss possible projects.

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DIVISION OF RHEUMATOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY

The Section of Rheumatology at UNMC directs the Rheumatoid Arthritis Investigational Network (RAIN) which is a consortium of rheumatologists throughout the Midwest that design and conduct clinical trials designed to elucidate better treatments for RA. Over the last 12 years, a number of trials have been completed and results published.

Amy Cannella, MD; 559-7288 acannella@unmc.edu

  • The use of ultrasound imaging techniques in rheumatic disease.

Ted Mikuls, MD; 559-7288 tmikuls@unmc.edu

  • Gout treatment safety and gout quality of care.
  • Omaha VA Rheumatoid Arthritis (OVARA) Registry: study of disease epidemiology and outcomes in veterans with RA.
  • Environmental (i.e. smoking) and genetic determinants of RA risk and outcomes.
  • Post-operative outcomes in RA patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty.
  • Epidemiology and outcomes of lymphoproliferative disease in the context of RA.
  • Associations of periodontal disease with RA.

Jim O'Dell, MD; 559-7288 jrodell@unmc.edu

  • Are there correlations between lab changes and joint scores?
  • How do methotrexate dose, folic acid dose, and MCV correlate and how does this correlate with outcome?
  • How does patient-derived information (Health Assessment Questionnaires, Patient Pain Scale, etc.) correlate with physician-derived parameters?

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