FAER and ABA Announce Recipient of Research in Education Grant
The American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) and the Foundation for Anesthesia Education and Research (FAER) have selected Elizabeth Malinzak, M.D., as the recipient of the 2023 FAER-ABA Research in Education Grant (REG).
The co-sponsored grant is designed to advance the careers and knowledge of anesthesiologists
interested in studying key elements of education in anesthesiology. Dr. Malinzak, Advisory Dean for the Doctor of Medicine program and Associate Professor at Duke University School of Medicine, will use the $100,000 award to examine the intersection of gender and confidence ratings in MOCA Minute over her two-year grant period.
Specifically, Dr. Malinzak’s proposed research will investigate if a confidence gap exists in board-certified anesthesiologists answering MOCA Minute questions. The gender confidence gap is a phenomenon thought to contribute to the attrition of women in the workforce and leadership. The long-term objective is to create a model for future analysis of confidence gaps in various diplomate demographics and, if a confidence gap exists, to determine if it correlates with anesthesiology workforce trends.
“Funding Dr. Malinzak’s research informs the work we do to maintain a meaningful continuing certification program that instills board-certified physicians with confidence in their knowledge, skills and abilities,” says ABA Secretary Alex Macario, M.D., MBA.
The ABA will provide the grant recipient with mentoring and access to ABA resources, which may include de-identified physician data, data analysis expertise and various other tools necessary to design, conduct and report the project. The grantee may also pursue primary data collection based on their research question. The grant requires that 40 percent of the faculty member’s time be dedicated to the proposed research.
“FAER is very excited to team with the ABA in funding Dr. Malinzak’s work. This collaboration represents an excellent alignment of our organizations’ respective missions. We look forward to following Dr. Malinzak’s progress as a young investigator and the growth of her career,” says Roger Johns, M.D., MHS, Ph.D., FAER Board Chair.
Applicants were asked to submit abstracts for hypothesis-driven research projects that evaluate the value of initial certification and MOCA to clinicians and the public, or the validity and impact of the ABA’s initial certification program, with special consideration given to proposals that examine the topics through the lens of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
This is the third time the FAER-ABA REG has been awarded since its conception, and we are pleased to announce the FAER and ABA have approved three additional cycles of the grant.
THE AMERICAN BOARD OF ANESTHESIOLOGY
Our mission is to advance the highest standards of the practice of anesthesiology. As the certifying body for anesthesiologists since 1938, we work with physicians to elevate practice standards and foster exceptional patient care. We administer primary and subspecialty certification exams as well as the Maintenance of Certification in Anesthesiology (MOCA) program, which is designed to promote lifelong learning, a commitment to quality clinical outcomes and patient safety. Based in Raleigh, N.C., we are a nonprofit organization and a Member Board of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).
THE FOUNDATION FOR ANESTHESIA EDUCATION AND RESEARCH (FAER)
FAER is a related organization of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). For over 35 years, FAER has been dedicated to developing the next generation of physician-investigators in anesthesiology. Charitable contributions and support to FAER help fuel the future of anesthesiology through scientific discovery. Funding priorities include: Research, Education and Training. At the time of this article’s publication, FAER has awarded more than $55 million in research grants and programs since 1986. To learn more about FAER, visit FAER.org.
ABA Media Contact:
Kara Sabatino
kara.sabatino@theaba.org