Research Showcase: My AOSSM Grant Award Experience and My Journey to Become an Independent Principal Investigator-February 2024 Research Showcase

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Dr. Cecilia Pasqual-Carrito, an associate professor of orthopedic surgery at Washington University in St. Louis, recently presented her findings from her research during a webinar hosted by the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM). Dr. Pasqual-Carrito discussed her journey as a clinician scientist and the impact of receiving the AOSSM Sanofi Ostrich Arthritis Grant. She initially focused on tissue engineering and cartilage regeneration, but her research interests shifted to epigenetics and hip osteoarthritis. Dr. Pasqual-Carrito explained her study on evaluating a cartilage mimetic hydrogel for the treatment of cartilage injuries in a preclinical equine model. She discussed the results of the in vitro and in vivo studies, which showed promising potential for the hydrogel, but did not lead to cartilage repair. Dr. Pasqual-Carrito then shared her current research on pre-arthritic hip disease, specifically femoral acetabular impingement (FAI). She highlighted the importance of understanding the mechanisms that lead to hip osteoarthritis and the role of epigenetics, such as DNA methylation, in suppressing gene expression. She also discussed her ongoing research using a rabbit model of FAI to investigate the role of mechanical loading and biological response in hip cartilage. Dr. Pasqual-Carrito emphasized the value of being a clinician scientist and the unique perspective and contributions they can make to advancing knowledge and improving patient care. She encouraged future researchers and clinician scientists to prioritize their work, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and stay focused on the clinical application of their research.

Keywords

Dr. Cecilia Pasqual-Carrito

orthopedic surgery

epigenetics

hip osteoarthritis

cartilage mimetic hydrogel

pre-arthritic hip disease

femoral acetabular impingement

mechanical loading

clinical application