Jin Ho Han, MD, MS, Professor of Emergency Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, is considered a research expert in the field of emergency and critical care medicine, particularly in the study of sedatives used for critically ill patients.

The Emergency Medicine Foundation (EMF) calls him one of its biggest success stories.

Dr. Han and Co-Principal Investigator Matthew Semler, MD, MS, secured a $7 million, five-year research funding award last summer from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) to compare two sedatives used to place breathing tubes in the emergency department or intensive care unit—ketamine and etomidate.

Dr. Han is a recipient of an EMF Pilot Grant Program, and he gives EMF credit for his PCORI grant award. First, he was able to share pilot program data and demonstrate that the research was possible and valuable in his PCORI proposal.

The value of EMF’s Pilot Grant Program goes beyond one victory.

That’s why EMF has decided to expand it for the upcoming year.

This year marks a notable shift in its funding strategy. Traditionally, EMF funded a single pilot grant of $50,000 annually. However, recognizing the growing demand and the potential impact of early research, the Foundation has dramatically increased its commitment. Starting from July 1, EMF will fund six pilot grants, each valued at $100,000.

This substantial investment is aimed at fostering the credibility of researchers, enabling them to secure larger grants from institutions like the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The EMF Board’s decision to enhance funding stems from the highly competitive nature of previous grant applications. By allocating more resources, EMF aims to support a broader spectrum of research projects and early-stage researchers. This strategy not only aids in the development of new research within the field but also assists seasoned researchers exploring new topics.

Pilot Research Grants are intended to provide “starter” or pilot funding for preliminary data to help initiate a successful line of research that will ultimately lead to a more comprehensive project. This grant’s goal is to lay the groundwork for a project that will meaningfully impact emergency care research and to fund a variety of research areas, including clinical, basic science, translational, and health policy topics.

EMF encourages application partnerships between research universities and community emergency departments along with the engagement of operational and policy partners. All applications must identify and justify the primary EMF priority to which they are focusing their proposal.

EMF priorities include:

• Value of Emergency Medicine
• Safety/Quality/Prevention of Error
• Emergency Physician Wellness
• Workforce
• Practice of Emergency Medicine
• Health Disparities
• Education Research
• Basic Science

This year, EMF allocated around $1 million to approximately 20 grantees. The new funding opportunities for 2025 will be released in October 2024.

EMF strategically utilizes these funds to maximize their impact. By focusing on seed funding, EMF ensures that promising researchers can establish themselves and gain the necessary experience and credibility to pursue larger-scale projects.

Strategic Collaboration and Responsive Research Funding

Collaboration and strategic planning are at the heart of the Emergency Medicine Foundation’s approach.

EMF actively collaborates with ACEP to identify pressing issues and emerging challenges in emergency medicine. For instance, at a recent ACEP Board meeting, EMF presented research outcomes from the past few years and sought feedback on current critical issues. This collaborative effort ensures that EMF’s grant priorities align with the immediate and long-term needs of the field.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted EMF’s responsiveness to urgent research needs. As the pandemic unfolded, there was an immediate demand for research on its impact on emergency medicine practices and patient care. In response, EMF established three specific COVID-19 research grants, starting in July 2020.

This response underscores the foundation’s ability to adapt to emerging health care crises and support relevant research initiatives.

EMF’s strategy is to remain adaptive and responsive, ensuring that their research funding addresses the most critical needs expressed by ACEP and the broader emergency medicine community. By doing so, it not only advances but enhances the field but also enhance the overall quality patient care in emergency settings.

EMF’s commitment to collaboration, strategic funding, and responsive research underscores its pivotal role in the continuous improvement and evolution of emergency medicine.

Research Forum Reinvigorated with Record Submissions

You can’t miss Research Forum at ACEP24 this fall in Las Vegas, Sept. 29 to Oct. 2.

Really, you can’t miss it. Research Forum will not only have higher visibility and access inside the world’s largest emergency medicine Exhibit Hall, but it’s also the largest event of its kind since 2013 and third largest in the event’s history. Research Forum has witnessed a significant surge in submissions, receiving 858 compared to 650 for last year’s event in Philadelphia.

Research Forum organizers report that the submissions are diverse, featuring both familiar contributors and new names, showcasing a wide range of innovative research. They plan to accept approximately 450 abstracts, maintaining a process where each submission is evaluated, scored and ranked. This year, the quality of submissions has been exceptional, with higher scoring thresholds compared to previous years, reflecting the increasing caliber of research being conducted in the field.

Research Forum organizers say the higher profile of this year’s event should keep the momentum going in 2025.

New Program for Young Researchers Promotes Innovation

In addition to the traditional research categories, this year’s Research Forum has introduced a new program specifically for young researchers. It focuses on quality improvement projects, providing a platform for residents and medical students to share practical solutions and innovative practices. Unlike traditional research, these projects do not necessarily involve cutting-edge discoveries but rather practical improvements

and efficiencies in emergency department operations.

This new category emerged mid-process but has already garnered significant interest. It allows young researchers to present posters that highlight simple yet effective methods to enhance emergency care. Examples include improving intubation times or developing shortcuts for specific treatments.

The goal is to promote knowledge-sharing and practical problem-solving among the next generation of emergency medicine professionals.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to support and nurture young researchers, providing them with opportunities to showcase their work and gain recognition. By focusing on practical improvements, the forum encourages a culture of continuous quality enhancement in emergency medicine. This approach not only benefits the young researchers, but also contributes to the overall improvement of emergency care practices.

Mr. Scheid is ACEP’s Communications Director.