Research

Research focuses on three strategic areas:

• Clinical studies explore innovative treatments for pain following surgery and during labour and delivery;
• Educational research studies the use of simulation in education; and  
• Molecular sites and mechanisms of general anesthetics.

Clinical Studies

Clinical pain studies at the Sunnybrook and Holland Orthopedic campuses are focussed on optimizing post operative pain management to improve quality of postoperative recovery and rapid rehabilitation. Also studied are new regional techniques such as ultra-low dose spinal anesthesia for patients undergoing brachytherapy. 

Research in Education and Patient Safety

Educational research, directed by Dr. Pam Morgan, studies use of simulation for learning and performance assessment. Dr. Morgan has received national and university awards for her research and educational activities.  Recent research is focussing on reduction of medical error in anesthesia and optimizing team performance in obstetrics.

Experimental Neurosciences

Two CIHR-funded laboratories examine the molecular mechanisms of anesthesia (Dr. Orser), and pain (Dr.Lu). Dr. Orser has won the Career Scientist Award from the Canadian Anesthesiologists' Society in 2006 which is the highest research honour bestowed by this national society.

Molecular Mechanisms of Anesthesia

As a clinician-scientist, Dr. Orser’s specific research aims are to:

1. Identify the molecular targets that mediate the therapeutic properties of general anesthetics and
2. Develop safer neurodepressive drugs for the treatment of hyperexcitability disorders including epilepsy and neuropathic pain.

This research program offers an opportunity for anesthesia residents to undertake graduate studies in basic science and translational research. The laboratory is located at the Medical Sciences Building at the University of Toronto.

Neuroprotection and Pain

Dr. Lu, MD, PhD focuses on two fundamental problems:

1. The mechanisms by which cytokines, including neurotrophins, regulate central synaptic transmission; and
2. The mechanism by which the vagal afferent system transmits visceral inflammatory signals to the brain thus so modulating visceral pain.

The goals of these studies are:

1. To identify cellular and molecular targets for neuroprotection from traumatic/inflammatory injuries; and
2. To improve clinical management of visceral pain. Dr. Lu’s laboratory is located at the Sunnybrook campus.