research/teaching as a CRNA

yoga crna · Jan 27, 2005

There is a very bright CRNA, Linda Callahan, who has a PhD in research and who is one of the best classroom instructors I have ever heard. She also does a little clinical anesthesia. She took a post doctoral program in genetics research and is interested in the genetics of pain and pain control.

She told me that as much as she loves teaching and research, if you want to make a lot of money, stay with clinical anesthesia.

meredithxm · Jan 27, 2005

I will have to look her up. I guess I was hoping to find more research by CRNA's when I searched the medical library..

There is a very bright CRNA, Linda Callahan, who has a PhD in research and who is one of the best classroom instructors I have ever heard. She also does a little clinical anesthesia. She took a post doctoral program in genetics research and is interested in the genetics of pain and pain control.
She told me that as much as she loves teaching and research, if you want to make a lot of money, stay with clinical anesthesia.

loisane · Jan 27, 2005

I will have to look her up. I guess I was hoping to find more research by CRNA's when I searched the medical library..

I'm afraid you have something here. CRNAs haven't been the best at research and publication. Not to say there isn't any at all. Many CRNAs are involved in research, and have published great studies. But the proportion is small, compared to some other health care disciplines. Many CRNAs are just too busy taking care of patients, and Yoga is right, that is where the money is.

But that is a reason FOR you to go into nurse anesthesia, not against the idea! We need CRNAs who are interested in research to further the profession and our professional credibility.

Don't let the lack of CRNA conducted research discourage you. Just think what a name you will make for yourself when you start producing studies to fill the void!

loisane crna

meredithxm · Jan 27, 2005

you have a good point there- I just cringe at the thought of grant writing and trying to get larger institutions interested in this. Who knows what could happen though. thanks for your responses on this!

I'm afraid you have something here. CRNAs haven't been the best at research and publication. Most are too busy taking care of patients.
But that is a reason FOR you to go into nurse anesthesia, not against the idea! We need CRNAs who are interested in research to further the profession and our professional credibility.
Don't let the lack of CRNA conducted research discourage you. Just think what a name you will make for yourself when you start producing studies to fill the void!
loisane crna

Businessman · Jan 29, 2005

I have talked to a program director (Buffalo) about it, and he said that one could teach with only the Master in Anesthesia, but another option would be to get a PhD in a related field (there's none in anesthesia).

Best thing is to talk to a specific school when you want to enter teaching, and ask them if a PhD would enahance your chances.

jewelcutt · Jan 29, 2005

I think it would be a great idea for you to go into anesthesia, there is so much research that needs to be done, and only 1% of anesthesia providers are phd prepared or teachers. We absolutely need more people interested in these aspects. You could probably teach/reseach and still do clinical anesthesia and make plenty of money

mwbeah · Jan 29, 2005

If your interested, I am a CRNA who will obtain my Phd in Neuroscience within the near future. If you have any questions, IM me.

Mike

gotosleep · Jan 30, 2005

If your interested, I am a CRNA who will obtain my Phd in Neuroscience within the near future. If you have any questions, IM me.
Mike

i would love for you to share more about this.

What kind of undergraduate and graduate education is required for this degree? What made you decided this degree option in particular? How do you think this degree will complement your practice? I'm finishing my anesthesia training in May and I've often thought of continuing my education.

Thanks in advance...

gotosleep · Feb 1, 2005

i would love for you to share more about this.
What kind of undergraduate and graduate education is required for this degree? What made you decided this degree option in particular? How do you think this degree will complement your practice? I'm finishing my anesthesia training in May and I've often thought of continuing my education.
Thanks in advance...

or not.....

mwbeah · Feb 1, 2005

The hard science doctorate will allow greater access to becoming faculty positions (i.e. program director) for CRNA programs, or if you seek, tenured positions at other academic institutions. Additionally, you have to like to perform the tedious tasks involved with the basic science research. Additionally, the coursework involved with the neurophysiology, advanced biochemistry, neuropharmacology will enhance your understanding of why you do what you do. Also, keep in mind if your dissertation has clinical applications, you may become the "expert" in a certain area. The hard science doctorate programs are much longer than the educational doctorates (sometimes two to three years longer) and will take you away from the clinical arena for a period of time. My suggestion is that you become comfortable in your anesthetic practice before you undertake the long journey that will accompany a program such as this.

Mike

charles-thor · Feb 1, 2005

I was discussing this very topic with a friend of mine the other day. He mentioned that, while he was in school, a CRNA instructor of his was met with great resistance when she proposed a clinical trial to the director of anesthesiology at her hospital. Apparently he told the CRNA that nurse anesthetists do not conduct research. Although she designed the trial, wrote the proposal, and did everything else that was required, the director of anesthesiology insisted that she include a MD faculty member so that he could essentially ride the CRNAs' coattails and advance himself up the academic ladder. It's a shame, although certainly a reality, that those CRNAs dedicated enough to advance our profession are confronted with such opposition.