UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine

Presentation winners Jason Chua, M.D. and Angela Hsu, M.D. with Chief Judge Jonathan Jahr, M.D.

In February, the Department initiated an exciting new opportunity to showcase Department of Anesthesiology Residents’ and Fellows’ research. At this First Annual Scientific Evening, which took place in the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center auditorium, all research projects were introduced in an oral presentation style, using the poster as a backdrop on the projected screen. Moderator and chief judge, Jonathan S. Jahr, M.D., led a group of faculty judges. The judges included visiting professor, Dr. Zeev Kain, Professor and Chair at UC Irvine, as well as Anesthesiology professor Gundappa Neelakanta, M.D. and Patricia Kapur, M.D., Chair of the Anesthesiology Department. All the presentations were evaluated based on scientific hypothesis, methodology, results, discussion and presentation style. The three top presentations from both the residents and the fellows were chosen and awards given. The winners in the Resident Category were Jason Chua, M.D., First Place; Kimberly Howard-Quijano, M.D., Second Place and Vadim Gudzenko, M.D., Third Place Winner. The winners in the Fellow category were: Valeri Walker, M.D., First Place, Hagop Karpanian, M.D., Second Place and Angela Hsu, M.D. Third Place Winner. The best presentations will receive support to attend and present at a regional or national meeting, such the Western Anesthesia Residents Conference to be held this year in Palm Springs or the American Society of Anesthesiologists Annual Meeting in New Orleans. Attendees commented on the depth of research and professional presentation styles demonstrated, audience participation and overall pride in the department’s accomplishments vis a vis resident research.