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Emergencies. Ann Emerg Med. 2010;56:551-564. 5. Kaji AH, Lewis RL, Beavers-May T, et al. Summary of NIH Medical-Surgical Emergency Research Roundtable. Ann Emerg Med. 2010;56(5):522-537. 6. 21 CFR §50.23(a). 7. 45 CFR §46.116(d). 8. Glickman SW, Anstrom KJ, Lin L, et al. Challenges in enrollment of minority, pediatric, and geriatric patients in emergency and acute care clinical research. Ann Emerg Med. 2008;51(6):775-780.e3. Epub 2008 Jan 11. 9. Hollander JE, Singer AJ. An innovative strategy for conducting clinical research: the academic associate program. Acad Emerg Med. 2002;9(2):134-137. CHAPTER 5 — KEY ISSUES IN BASIC SCIENCE EMERGENCY CARE RESEARCH 25 INTRODUCTION Emergency medicine since its beginnings has been viewed by critics as a specialty that arose from societal and economic needs rather than as an outgrowth of new knowledge or scientific thought. Too broad in scope to have a pathophysiological foundation, emergency medicine is often seen as a borrower or integrator of knowledge from other specialties, lacking a true scientific core. However, emergency medicine specialists have long argued for a “biology of emergency medicine” that bundles the resuscitation, stabilization, and caring of the acutely ill and dying (1, 2). In contrast to studies related to mechanisms of chronic disease, basic science emergency medicine research focuses on the time-sensitive mechanisms of diseases that affect outcomes of critical care (3). Time-sensitive interventions initiated within minutes and hours of patient presentation directed at cellular, tissue, and systemic targets may improve clinical outcomes in conditions as diverse as septic shock, cardiac arrest and hemorrhagic shock, acute toxic ingestions, acute myocardial infarction, and stroke. Emergency medicine has the science of resuscitation at its foundation and emergency medicine physicians directing basic science in this fundamental field of knowledge will be critical to developing patient-directed outcomes in the 21st century. In addition, there is increasing recognition that the time-sensitivity of diagnosis and treatment for acutely presenting diseases require basic science models of disease that can give us better markers and potential targets that determine decompensation versus resolution of acute disease. Without these basic insights, it will be difficult to develop the best clinical trials of the future. Key issues facing the emergency physician interested in developing a basic science program of study are mentorship, area of study, model selection or development, resource identification/acquisition, and funding (Table 5-1). KEY ISSUES IN BASIC SCIENCE EMERGENCY CARE RESEARCH Willard W. Sharp, MD, PhD, FACEP Terry L. Vanden Hoek, MD, FACEP EMERGENCY CARE RESEARCH – A PRIMER CHAPTER 5 26 CHAPTER 5 — KEY ISSUES IN BASIC SCIENCE EMERGENCY CARE RESEARCH MENTORSHIP To most aspiring investigators, defining their area of study (i.e., the question) and the mechanics of developing a research project around that question are their greatest challenge and opportunity. As a first step, the most fundamental issue facing the new investigator is finding appropriate mentorship. This is especially true for those interested in basic science research. Although mentorship has been discussed in previous chapters, the importance of finding someone who can provide encouragement, advice, and instruction in the basic sciences cannot be emphasized enough. The decision to pursue a basic science research project is not unlike beginning a new competitive athletic sport. To be successful, the beginner will require a coach or personal trainer to help them formulate goals and strategies to achieve them. Although the pool of emergency physicians may be smaller than other specialties, it is possible to find excellent mentors. How does one begin to find the appropriate mentor? A good place to start can be a department chair, director of research, program director, or senior faculty member who is familiar with other programs and investigators in emergency medicine. These individuals tend to be more familiar with other programs and investigators in emergency medicine. Establishment of an early career mentor for an aspiring investigator is important not only for gaining advice and guidance but can open doors to additional mentors who may have greater interest or expertise in the field of interest. Multiple mentors may be necessary to gain technical expertise and specialized advice. Finding the right mentor is a trial and error process and may take time. Some mentors may be adequate in certain areas and times in an investigator’s career. Other avenues for finding appropriate mentors are national meetings, research forums, and interactions with other laboratory groups. The new investigator should also be willing to seek mentors outside of emergency medicine. The SAEM career guide found at the SAEM web site http://issuu.com/saemonline/docs/emergency-medicine-academic-career-guide is an additional resource. Personality fit should always be considered. Is the mentor someone you respect and has similar values to you? What are their views on life balance and family commitments? Good mentorship is found when both the mentor and mentee benefit from the relationship and find growth and satisfaction from that relationship. Potential mentors should 

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