Inquiring Minds Mending Tiny Hearts
The CCAS Research Committee is proud to launch our monthly Podcast “Inquiring Minds Mending Tiny Hearts”. Over the course of this podcast, the research committee will invite experts to discuss pearls and pitfalls of research in the field of congenital cardiac disease. We will address a wide range of topics from “How to write a research abstract for a conference” to “How to turn your idea into a research project” to “How can I use a national database to answer my research question?” We hope that this Podcast will provide a valuable resource for trainees and faculty alike.
Episode 1: How to Write a Research Abstract
Jennifer Lynch, MD, PhD (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia) and Laura Downey, MD (Emory University)
Description: In this episode, the hosts walk you through the essential components of crafting a strong research abstract.
You will learn:
- How to structure an abstract for clarity and impact
- What information (background, methods, results, conclusion) to include and emphasize
- Common mistakes that reduce your chances of acceptance
- Tips for tailoring abstracts for conferences in congenital cardiac anesthesia
Episode 2: How to Write a Case Report
Jennifer Lynch, MD, PhD (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia) and Laura Downey, MD (Emory University)
Description: This episode teaches you how to write a compelling case report, particularly in the context of congenital cardiac anesthesia.
Key take-aways include:
- Selecting cases worth reporting
- Structuring the report: introduction, case description, discussion, lessons learned
- Strategies to increase the likelihood of acceptance at conferences and journals
Episode 3: How to Apply for NIH Funding
Jennifer Lynch, MD, PhD (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia) and Jennifer Lee-Summers, MD (Johns Hopkins University)
Description: Get practical advice on navigating NIH grant applications.
By the end of this episode, you will understand:
- Key components of a successful NIH proposal (specific aims, significance, innovation, approach)
- How to plan/time your submission
- Common pitfalls (e.g. feasibility, preliminary data, budget)
- Resources and mentorship strategies to strengthen your application
Episode 4: Why is it Important for Cardiac Anesthesiologists to Engage in Research or Academic Work?
Laura Downey, MD (Emory University) and David Faraoni, MD, PhD, FAHA (Boston Children’s Hospital)
Description: In this conversation, Dr. Faraoni discusses the importance of academic involvement for cardiac anesthesiologists.
You will learn:
- How research and academic work contribute to clinical excellence and patient care
- Ways to balance clinical responsibilities with scholarship
- Examples of how academic contributions advance the field
- How early-career clinicians can begin participating in research
Episode 5: How to Develop an Educational Program for Congenital Cardiac Anesthesia
Jennifer Lynch, MD, PhD (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia) and Manchula Navaratnam, MD (Stanford Children’s Hospital)
Description: This episode offers guidance on designing and implementing educational initiatives in congenital cardiac anesthesia.
Take-aways include:
- Defining goals and target learners (trainees, faculty, etc.)
- Curriculum design: what topics, methods (lectures, simulation, mentorship)
- Assessment and feedback mechanisms
- Sustaining and evaluating your program over time
Episode 6: Insight to Impact – How to Use Large Databases to Design Multi-Center Quality Initiatives
Laura Downey, MD (Emory University), Jason Patregani, MD (MaineHealth), Ashish Ankola, MD (Texas Children’s Hospital)
Description: This episode shows how large datasets and surveys can be used to inform quality improvement across centers.
The episode covers:
- Identifying relevant large-scale databases and data sources
- Conducting surveys to understand practice variation
- Combining data & survey results to identify problems / variation
- Designing and implementing a multi-center quality initiative (e.g. a clinical bundle) to address identified issues
Episode 7: How to Develop and Implement a QI/Project Safety Report
Dr. Phil Adams (UPMC) and Jennifer Lynch, MD, PhD (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia)
Description: In this discussion, listeners are guided through developing and implementing a quality improvement (QI) or project safety report.
Key learning points include:
- Selecting a project topic and defining measurable aims
- Data collection and analysis methods in safety / QI work
- Reporting findings: structure, key elements, transparency
- Strategies for implementation and sustaining improvement
Episode 8: Device Research and Industry Funding
Jennifer Lynch, MD, PhD (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia) and Todd Kilbaugh, MD (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia)
Description: This episode dives into research involving medical devices and the role of industry funding.
You will learn:
- How to design device-related research projects (from concept to testing)
- Navigating partnerships with industry: contract issues, conflicts of interest, expectations
- Funding pathways specific to device research
