Research Experience
Realizing that research is an integral part of advancing the field of medicine, I have actively engaged in research opportunities afforded to me. I have been fortunate to work with some truly amazing dedicated people, who are at the forefront of their fields. I have worked on Patient Generated Health Data, delved deeper into the intricate workings of Interventional Radiology and enjoyed spending time on the bench, investigating lymphoma cells.
I’ve worked as a research assistant on several projects with the Medstar Shah Medical Group (Hollywood, MD) and the Interventional Radiology Department at the Vascular Institute of Virginia (Woodbridge, VA). More details about my projects can be found below.
Blood Cancer Research
Children’s National Medical Center, Dr. Hema Dave
Research Scientist, Summer 2019
In the summer of 2019, I was able to visit and observe Dr. Hema Dave in the Bollard Lab on the Children’s National Medical Center campus in Washington, D.C. Dr. Dave is currently researching how changing the micro-environment of Lymphoma cells can trick normal immune system cells to attack and kill malignant cells. Throughout my time with Dr. Dave, I was able to observe lab technicians, process blood samples from cancer patients, plate cell cultures, and perform flow cytometry.
Pathways to Diabetes; Telcare Coaching Program
Medstar Shah Medical Group, Under Dr. Vicky Parikh
research assistant, summer 2017-present
Background:
Telcare is a method of remote diabetes management through a cellular-enabled “smart” glucometer that eliminates the need for smart phones.
The Pathway to Diabetes project within the organization Telcare Coaching aims to help at-risk diabetic patients manage their blood sugar levels with electronic correspondence from their doctors.
The goal of our study was to determine whether better diabetic control is achieved if patients are able to share blood sugar data directly with providers, who in turn can offer information on best course of action.
Working with Dr. Parikh, as well as a family history of the disease, has inspired me to pursue research in the field of diabetes.
Procedure:
Reviewing patient data in databases, I identified 143 at-risk patients and helped enroll them in the study. They were enrolled in the Telcare coaching program.
I assisted Dr. Parikh in collating and analyzing data from the patients to see the effect of Telcare coaching on diabetic outcomes vs controls.
Results:
Preliminary data from the project revealed that patients who communicated with physicians via TelCare Coaching devices had better healthcare outcomes.
Geniculate Artery Embolization for Pain Associated with Osteoarthritis
Vascular institute of virginia, interventional radiology
Under Dr. Sandeep bagla
Research Assistant, 2018-present
Background:
The goal of this project was to investigate the role of artery embolization to reduce pain in patients with osteoarthritis by diminishing blood flow to the nerves that cause pain.
It’s a relatively non-invasive procedure that precludes the need for steroid injections avoiding their side effects and avoiding surgery.
Procedure:
My role was to gather data, study the anatomy of the geniculate artery, pull articles on the anatomy, and work on a national embolization registry. As data is gathered by the researcher performing the studies, I will help to analyze the data and create the manuscript for the publication. This will continue into my senior year as a project.
Pedal Angiography and Revascularization
VIV, interventional radiology, Under Dr. Sandeep Bagla & Rachael PIechowiak
Research Assistant, 2018-present
Background:
Peripheral Vascular disease occurs from the occlusion of blood vessels in the legs from cholesterol deposits and plaque build up.
Interventions done through the femoral artery can help open these vessels and reduce pain and damage from lack of nutrition.
However, due to the large size of the artery, complications can arise that make it hard to the patient to tolerate the procedure.
Procedure:
The unique idea to use a foot (pedal) access for the intervention will lead to less complications and similar success.
My role was to gather data from patients charts, analyze the data, and help with the creation of the manuscript and abstract.
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