Gonzalo Garcia Guerra, '20 PhD
Student: Gonzalo Garcia Guerra
Program: PhD
Convocation Date: June 12, 2020
Supervisor: Sunita Vohra
What is your background before coming to this program?
I was born in Argentina, where I did med school and my training in pediatrics, and came to Edmonton 15 years ago to do my fellowship in pediatric critical care. After my fellowship, I did a masters in clinical epidemiology at the U of A. I work as a staff physician in the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at the Stollery Children’s Hospital and I am co-director of the pediatric transport program.
I also have seven kids! And like to hike and climb mountains.
What led you to decide to take graduate studies in the Department of Pediatrics at the U of A?
I wanted to expand my knowledge in clinical research to become an independent researcher.
What is your thesis title and summary of your research?
Music for Sedation in Critically Ill Children
Critically ill children commonly experience pain and anxiety while in the ICU. This is normally treated with sedatives and narcotics but these drugs can have significant side effects. I developed a research program to investigate the use of music to reduce the use of sedatives and narcotics in critically ill children.
What were some of the highlights of your experience in the Department of Pediatrics?
I had great support from my supervisor and my thesis committee. The program was quite flexible and allowed me to complete my degree while working full time and having a large family. Not sure if I could have done it otherwise.
What were some of the challenges or things that were harder than you anticipated?
Trying to balance a large family, a full time job in intensive care (which also means night calls and weekend calls) was difficult. I almost gave up after 3-4 years!
Has your journey's "destination" changed or morphed from what you thought it would be at the beginning?
No, I don't think so. It took a bit longer but I kind of knew that it might. In research things always seem to take longer than planned.
Do you have any tips or advice for people considering applying to the department graduate program and/or new graduate students entering the program?
Practice discipline and have perseverance!
How has the department prepared you for the next step in your career (academic or otherwise)?
I have a clinical appointment right now but will like to more academic work.
What will you miss about the Department of Pediatrics and your time here?
I am still involved from the clinical and research side, so I won't miss much. I guess I will miss being a student. I have been one since I went to Jr kindergarten at the age of two! However, I believe we are always learning.
Where are you headed in your education/career now?
I will stay here working in pediatric critical care at the Stollery. I would like to continue with my research program looking at non-pharmacological interventions to provide comfort to critically ill children.