We are proud to announce that Harikesh Subramanian, MBBS, MS, D.ABA, ABPM-CI, has been awarded the 2023 Participant User File (PUF) Research Award by the Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists (SCA). Dr. Subramanian's award will fund his research project "Effects of Social Determinants of Health on Complications After VAD Implantation: Exploration of the ZIP Code and Outcomes." This award underscores Dr. Subramanian's dedication to advancing cardiovascular research and improving patient outcomes.
Dr. Subramanian's research will focus on the impact of social determinants of health (SDoHs) on complications following ventricular assist device (VAD) implantation. While factors such as age, gender, and ethnicity have been previously studied, there is limited research on how socioeconomic variables like household income, education level, and ZIP code influence postoperative outcomes. Dr. Subramanian's project aims to fill this gap by investigating these lesser-studied SDoHs and their effects on patient outcomes, including mortality, stroke, infection, and re-implantation.
One of the key aspects of Dr. Subramanian's research will be the exploration of ZIP code and the Distressed Community Index (DCI), to identify "VAD deserts" as predictors of adverse outcomes following VAD implantation. By identifying specific SDoHs that correlate with poor outcomes, this study could lead to the development of targeted policies and interventions aimed at improving care and survival rates for VAD patients, particularly those in socioeconomically disadvantaged regions.
The SCA is a professional organization dedicated to promoting excellence in the care of patients undergoing cardiovascular and thoracic procedures. Founded in 1978, the SCA has grown to become a leading authority in cardiovascular anesthesiology, providing education, research, and advocacy for its members. The organization supports initiatives that advance the field and improve patient outcomes, including the PUF Research Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to cardiovascular research. Dr. Subramanian's work will continue the SCA's legacy of fostering innovation and excellence in cardiovascular care.