Stories from the Front Lines of COVID-19 - Dr. Bory Kea
By Emma Aitken
Over the coming months, Women in Science Portland will be highlighting scientists and healthcare workers who are on the front lines of COVID-19 treatment and research. These amazing people are working tirelessly to advance our knowledge of COVID-19, sometimes putting their own lives at risk, to ensure that care is available to our community when we most need it.
Today we are highlighting Dr Bory Kea, Director of Clinical Trials in Emergency Medicine and Assistant Professor in Emergency Medicine at OHSU.
What is your current role and research focus?
My current role is Director of Clinical Trials in Emergency Medicine and Assistant Professor in Emergency Medicine. My research focus is on evidence-based emergency care guidelines, including atrial fibrillation, stroke and venous thromboembolism prophylaxis, and the practical translation of these guidelines to improve health outcomes. Furthermore, I seek to add value to clinical care through different strategies, including novel diagnostic technologies, and new approaches to sepsis and cardiovascular care.
How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed your research?
As the priority for both clinical and academic research has shifted towards COVID-19, everyone is seeking ways to contribute to this unprecedented tidal wave. With respect to research, I am investigating the impact of COVID-19 on the healthcare workforce and how we can keep them safe so that they can protect everyone else. Additionally, I am helping my colleagues with the validation of a rapid COVID-19 diagnostic test and the tracking of hospital responses to state and federal actions for COVID. I am also compiling literature and data on sterilization of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and its reuse for when the need arises.
Do you have a message for the WIS PDX community?
Be safe, stay home if possible, and help flatten the curve. Do yoga, check on a neighbor, go for a jog, meditate (e.g. try the Headspace app), or other ways to keep yourself both mentally and physically healthy. Keep physically distanced but use virtual modes to stay socially connected, for example have your happy hour virtually.
Please join us in helping to provide Personal Protective Equipment for our healthcare heroes during this critical shortage. There are several options for donating through GetUsPPE.org, including donating PPE, funds, or joining the Maker Force to help with mask making efforts and other maker-made PPE.
If you would like us to highlight any individuals working on the front lines of COVID-19, please let us know by emailing info@womeninscieincepdx.org.