Lutheran HealthCare is acutely aware of the practical importance of medical research. Many of our clinical studies have led directly to improved patient care and a better understanding of how to treat various illnesses more effectively. Residents, attending physicians, administrators and support staff work together to further medical knowledge and to better meet the needs of the diverse community they serve. Some areas of research have included quality of care, qualitative research, and research in multi-ethnic populations. All departments are actively engaged in our research community, including:
- Acupuncture
- Anesthesiology
- Behavioral Health
- Community-Based Services
- Dental Anesthesia
- Dentistry
- Endodontics
- Family Medicine
- Health Plus
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- Internal Medicine
- Lutheran Family Health Centers
- Nursing
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Pediatric Dental Medicine
- Pediatrics
- Podiatry
- Surgery
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Residents in most departments are required to participate in research while in training, both to improve quality of care and as a part of their education. This requirement embodies the core philosophies and values given in "Caring for Health," a social statement produced by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. "Caring for Health" is based on the premise that health is central to an individual's well-being, and as such, treatment should address the whole person. The statement asserts that health is not a commodity, but a matter of social justice, and research must consider the confluence of health issues and barriers to care of every individual. The "Caring for Health Quality and Research" award was created in 2006 to encourage research at LMC in areas directly affecting these barriers to whole person care. The award has been given annually since then.
Lutheran HealthCare faculty and resident research has been published and presented in numerous journals and meetings nationwide. Publication and presentation raise the standard of patient care and resident education. In addition, it helps faculty and residents build their careers and supports resident fellowship applications.
Since 1996, Lutheran HealthCare's Clinical Research Office has provided support and mentoring to foster a rich environment of investigation shared by residents and faculty. Qualified professionals with varied and extensive experience staff the Clinical Research Office to assist both residents and faculty mentors with their research projects.
