Practically Speaking
Spring 2022

As we continue to center and emphasize our commitment to our guiding principles, we invited some of our new GVP grantees to share reflections on what inspires their work, the desired impact of their work, and their connection to our guiding principles.

Anna Sick-Samuels, MD, MPH

1) What is the desired impact of your Donaghue-funded research?

The desired short-term impact of the project is to improve respiratory culture testing practices among mechanically ventilated children. We hope this project will lead to a shift in the standard of care in the evaluation of ventilator-associated infections nationally. We anticipate having a rippling effect as the opportunities for diagnostic stewardship among mechanically ventilated patients extends beyond the ICU including emergency departments, ambulatory care, and adult patient settings. The long-term impact of this research in diagnostic stewardship is the promotion of safe and judicious use of microbiology testing and fostering dialogue and acceptance for judicious testing practices across specialties.

2) Is there a particular quote, book, or sentiment that inspires you? If so, what?

“We learn by practice. Whether it means to learn to dance by practicing dancing or to learn to live by practicing living, the principles are the same.”

When I was young, I spent a lot of time dancing and this quotation by Martha Graham always has inspired me not only to work towards goals but also to be resilient when faced with challenges and setbacks.

3) Of our five guiding principles: practical benefit, innovation, engagement, inclusivity, and integrity, which resonates with you most (personally or professionally)?

Integrity.

Mark Neuman, MD, MSc

1) What is the desired impact of your Donaghue-funded research?

Our goal is to provide anesthesia practices and health systems across the US with better tools to reduce low-value care for older surgical patients and to improve care and outcomes as a result. We also hope that our Donaghue-funded research can become a model for how academic institutions and private physician practices can work together to develop and carry out innovative, large-scale evaluations to advance knowledge and improve care.

2) Is there a particular quote, book, or sentiment that inspires you? If so, what?

I am inspired by the words of the American theologian and civil rights leader Howard Thurman: “Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”

3) Of our five guiding principles: practical benefit, innovation, engagement, inclusivity, and integrity, which resonates with you most (personally or professionally)?

Engagement. Donaghue’s guiding principle of engagement resonates most deeply with me; connecting with stakeholders—including our partnering organization, the front-line clinicians we work with, and the patient partners who have helped to guide our questions—is essential to making our research happen and giving it meaning in the real world.