Section Chair: Sara F. Rabito, M.D.,F.A.H.A.

Research is an integral part of the practice of medicine at JHSH of Cook County and our clinical faculty is active in many clinical and basic medical research projects. Our anesthesia laboratory currently located in Durand Building not far from facility of the patient care at JHSH of Cook County. Using state of the art laboratory equipment, the investigators in the Anesthesiology Research Laboratory carry out scientific projects, especially in the field of cardiovascular physiology and pharmacology in health and diseases such as diabetes, as well as in the field of pain management and the understanding of the pharmacology of neural transmission and analgesia. Our residents are encouraged to participate in ongoing clinical and laboratory research projects. Resident may establish their own projects during the CA-3 or CA-4. Each year our residents and faculty present their finding at national and international scientific meetings. Manuscripts from these studies are published in peer-reviewed national and international journals.

Anatomy Lab with Dr. Carlo D. Franco:
To understand the basic principles of regional anesthesia, Dr. Carlo Franco, Chairman of the Division of Ortho/GU Anesthesia, conducts/instructs special anatomy courses focused on the concept of regional anesthesia. This Anatomy Lab with practice of regional anesthesia on real cadaver is held all year round. Residents are encouraged to participate in this innovative teaching with hands-on practice. You can reach Dr. Franco by pager at 312-740-3958.

Airway Laboratory:
Adjunct to the departmental Anesthesiology Library, a dedicated space is allocated for the Anesthesia Airway Laboratory. This Laboratory is equipped with multiple manikins for the practice of airway management, both for direct laryngoscopy as well as fiberoptic-assisted intubation. Different sizes and shapes of endotracheal tubes, airways, including different sizes and shapes of LMA, laryngoscopes, oral and nasal airways, bronchial models, different sizes and models of fiberoptics, including video-assisted devices are present for the anesthesia resident to gain the required skills for airway management. A computerized airway model is also available to enhance the resident’s expertise in airway management. Residents are encouraged to use this lab as a tool to increase their expertise in airway management.

Computer Simulation Anesthesia Lab with Dr. James R. Markey:
Medical simulations have become increasingly recognized as a helpful tool for teaching medical trainees in a wide variety of specialties. The Computer Simulation Anesthesia Lab at John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County is a key resource for resident education, educational methods research, and safety enhancement in anesthesia. Simulation device demonstrates both normal physiologic and pharmacologic responses to anesthesia, and can show an entire range of pathophysiologic conditions. Dr. James R. Markey, Chairman of the Division of Adult Anesthesia, conducts/instructs Anesthesia Simulation courses.