In a day and age when technology and research are constantly evolving, federal institutions such as the National Institute of Health (NIH), are leveling off their financial support. Instead of seeing this as a major set back, the Anesthesiology Department at the Duke University Medical Center is finding innovative ways to continue the flow of funding so that the progress of their research will not be compromised.

On November 18, 2007, a radio show broadcast on North Carolina State Radio, “Focus”, featured an interview with Mark Crowell, the Associate Vice Chancellor for Economic Development and Technology Transfer at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; and Dr. Andrew Shaw, Associate Professor of Anesthesiology. Although these two rival institutions battle it out between the hoops in the indoor stadium, they share the same objectives in their classrooms and laboratories; to strive for academic and research excellence. Given the many topics that were discussed, one of the highlights of the program was the recognition of the Duke Developing Research Excellence for Anesthesia Management (DREAM) Campaign.

While Anesthesia has not traditionally been the “quarterback of medical research”, Dr. Shaw brings fresh perspective as a physician and researcher in the field, who’s first and foremost priority is giving patients the best care possible. “Our group is concerned with the quality of someone’s recovery,” Shaw says, “particularly the chance that someone will have an adverse outcome or complication. The work that we do tries to tailor an individual patient’s risk such that we can predict more accurately who is or who is not likely to suffer a particular type of complication. We can do things in the perioperative phase if we know who is at a high or low risk for complication. Anesthesia research allows physicians to assess each patient’s condition so that they may individualize each patient’s care”.

Without sufficient financial support, these vital research projects will cease to progress and more precious dollars will be used to treat complications after surgery, rather than going towards preventing complications from occurring in the first place. For this reason, the Department of Anesthesiology at the Duke University Medical Center has started a philanthropic program called the DREAM Campaign, to influence the community to participate in enriching the lives of patients worldwide.

The Duke DREAM Campaign has a goal of raising $2 million dollars within five years to support the research efforts of the Department of Anesthesiology. In order to reach this goal, the DREAM Campaign has sought assistance from the community.

The overwhelming response from the community was emphasized when a sponsor called in to the show to express her heartfelt praise. “We have been privileged to have been invited to participate in the DREAM Campaign,” said caller, Susan, “and we cannot think of a better way or a group of people to support. They are really so committed. And you [Dr. Shaw] are right that Anesthesiology is going to affect everybody. It’s across race, culture, age group and it’s just such important work that you’re doing. It really has blessed us to be involved in the DREAM Campaign and your department is so community-minded; giving back to the RTP, Durham, Raleigh and Chapel Hill community with the work you’re doing.”

Many generous supporters, like Susan have helped the campaign keep the dream alive. According to Dr. Shaw, “The hope is that the DREAM Campaign typifies the sort of commitment to excellence and innovation that Duke is world-renowned for.”

 

“Focus” is broadcasted on WPTF on Sundays in Raleigh, and on WSJS in Winston Salem.

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