Research Residents, 2018
Nkiruka Arinze, MD R2
Clinical Year: PGY-2
Site: Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine
Research Mentors: Vipul C. Chitalia, MD PhD and Jeffrey Siracuse, MD MBA
Dr. Nkiruka Arinze generated a hind limb ischemia model on a CKD background and investigated the effect of the uremic toxins and the aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathway on collateral formation in the ligated limb using histology. Additionally, her work focused on genetic and molecular regulators of angiogenesis that can be targeted for PAD therapeutics. Using institutional and large multi-institution databases, she will probe outcomes after various vascular procedures to determine patient and procedural characteristics that can be targeted to improve patient outcomes. To learn more about Dr. Arinze’s education, research publications, academic awards and funding, click here.
Megan Janeway, MD R2
Clinical Year: PGY-2
Site: Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine
Research Mentor: Tracey Dechert, MD
Dr. Megan Janeway investigated the impact of socioeconomic factors on surgical outcomes. Her interests included community partnerships and political advocacy. During medical school (Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine), Dr. Janeway was a founding member of Socially Responsible Surgery – an organization committed to introducing future generations of surgeons to concepts of disparities in surgical care and providing surgeons with tools to advocate for their patients and communities. During her academic development time, she continued her work with the organization and acquired a two-year NIH T32 Research Grant.
Scott Levin, MD MS, R1
Clinical Year: PGY-2
Site: Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine
Research Mentors: Alik Farber, MD, MBA and Jeffrey Siracuse, MD
Dr. Scott Levin evaluated the impact of national and state health policies on surgical outcomes, as well as to improve surgical safety. He applied econometrics analysis to regional and national datasets to offer new approaches to elucidating the effects of health policy on surgical disease management and to enable surgeons to provide optimal, evidence-informed care to the patients they serve. During this time, he also acquired a Masters of Science at Boston Unversity School of Public Health. To learn more about Dr. Levin’s education, research publications, academic awards and funding, click here.
Miriam Neufeld, MD MPH, R1
Clinical Year: PGY-3
Site: Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine
Research Mentors: Sabrina Sanchez, MD, MPH and Michael Siegel, MD, MPH
Dr. Miriam Neufeld examined firearm policy and injury prevention, as well as exploring the mental health and social ramifications of violent trauma. She also investigated the utilization and efficacy of psychosocial services for female victims of violent trauma. Given her efforts, she was the inaugural recipient of the Boston Trauma Institute pilot grant. She also utilized this time to pursue a Masters in Public Health at Boston University School of Public Health. To learn more about Dr. Neufeld’s education, research publications, academic awards and funding, click here.
Na Eun Kim, MD R1
Clinical Year: PGY-3
Site: Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine; Kings College London
Research Mentors: Caris Grimes, MEd, FRCS, MD and Jason Hall, MD, MPH
Dr. Na Eun Kim investigated the cost-effectiveness of an international bundle to reduce mortality from gastroschisis in Tanzania. In addition, as Vice President of Residents and Trainees for the Global Surgery Student Alliance, Dr. Kim helped create the first global surgery database. This database acts as a resource for potential global surgery opportunities and collaborations, ranging from research and advocacy to policy and on-the-ground endeavors. To learn more about Dr. Kim’s education, research publications, academic awards, and funding, click here.
Jacob Nudel, MD, R1
Clinical Year: PGY-2
Site: Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine; Massachusetts General Hospital Institute for Technology Assessment
Research Mentors: Donald Hess, MD and Amy Rosen, PhD and Chin Hur, MD (Massachusetts General Hospital)
Dr. Nudel utilized computational approaches to understand surgical decision-making. In one project, Dr. Nudel’s team showed that artificial neural networks and other advanced machine learning models can outperform traditional statistical approaches in predicting adverse outcomes after weight loss surgery. In his ongoing research, he employed machine learning techniques to understand the utilization of subspecialty obesity services at Boston Medical Center. In the process, he has developed custom software to parse and structure detailed electronic medical record data that we anticipate will open the door to a host of innovative and creative analyses across a range of clinical topics. To learn more about Dr. Nudel’s education, research publications, academic awards, and funding, click here.
Alaina Geary, MD, R1
Clinical Year: PGY-2
Site: Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine
Research Mentor: Luise Pernar, MD
Dr. Alaina Geary built a resident as teacher program specific to general surgery residents that is suitable for publication and national dissemination. She was the recipient of the Association for Academic Surgery and its Foundation (AAS/AASF) Trainee Research Fellowship Award in Education. During her academic development time, she served as Boston Medical Center SOAR (Surgical Outcomes Analysis & Research) Administrative Resident where she directed the department’s residency education efforts, including twice-monthly research conferences.
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