Research

The Division of Research, established in 1998, serves as a major resource for the Department of Emergency Medicine. The role of the Division of Research is to provide the support necessary for the department to achieve its evolving research mission and goals. This includes instructing resident physicians on general research methods including systems for interpreting the scientific literature; assisting faculty and residents in study design, data analysis and publication of their research projects; assisting with the preparation of sponsored proposals; and ensuring all resident physicians have the opportunity to complete an independent research project during their training.

The Division of Research is directed by John E. Gough, M.D, FACEP, professor and chief, and Kori L. Brewer, Ph.D., associate professor and associate chief. Dr. Gough is extensively published in the area of pre-hospital care, including cardiac care and resuscitation, transport issues and trauma. Dr. Brewer maintains an independent research program in the field of neurological emergencies, including spinal cord and peripheral nerve injuries.

Resources available to the faculty and residents of the Department of Emergency Medicine include a full-time Clinical Research Coordinator and a Research Technician. The individuals provide support for all aspects of clinical and basic science research, respectively including IRB preparation and submission, patient enrollment, maintenance of required regulatory documentation, and a full range of laboratory techniques.

Each year, the Division of Research sponsors the Emergency Medicine Research Forum during which the graduating residents present the results of their individual research projects to physicians and scientists across specialties. Below is a list of projects completed by the most recent graduates.

Service Disparities in Emergency Department Patients Presenting with Abdominal Pain can be Related to Body Mass Index. [Presented at the 2011 SAEM Research Forum]
Use of Cranial Computed Tomography in Elderly Patients Presenting After a Fall: Prevalence and Predictors of Intracranial Injury. [Presented at 2010 ACEP Scientific Assembly]
Previous Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) as a Cause of Emergency Department Visits Due to Headache.
A Cost Benefit Analysis of Detox and Psychiatric Medical Clearance Laboratory Tests in the Emergency Department. [Presented at 2010 BSOM Medical Student Research Day]
Physician Satisfaction as it Relates to a Team Approach in the Emergency Department. Emergency Recognition And Management Of Cardiac Dysrhythmias: A Simulation Based Educational Module. Ultrasound Use for Central Venous Catheter Insertion in the ED.
Emergency Physician Performed Bedside Ultrasound of the Chest Versus Supine CXR for the Diagnosis of Traumatic Pneumothorax and Hemothorax.
Pharmaceutical Financial Interests Pervade Medical Literature Regarding Thrombolysis in Acute Stroke. [Presented at 2011 mid-Atlantic Regional SAEM meeting; accepted for publication in the Western Journal of Emergency Medicine]
Fibromyalgia Predicts Return to the Emergency Department after Chest Pain Unit Observation. Simulated errors in technique as an instructional modality during a central venous catheterization course.

Current Funded Research Projects with the Department of Emergency Medicine

Title: ProCESS: Protocolized care for early septic shock
Funding Agency: NIH
Site Principal Investigator: Dr. Ted Delbridge

Title: Trial of Dextromethorphan and Low-Dose Naltrexone for Symptomatic Treatment of Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses
Funding Agency: Dept. of Defense
Principal Investigator: Dr. William Meggs

Title: Evaluation of Ecallantide for the Acute Treatment of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitor Induced Angioedema
Funding Agency: PAREXEL International
Principal Investigator: Dr. Anthony Frank

For more information, contact us:

Division of Research
ECU Emergency Medicine
PCMH ED Tower
The Brody School of Medicine
East Carolina University
Greenville, North Carolina 27834
Telephone: 252-744-2158
Fax: 252-744-3589