TL1 Pre-Doctoral Scholar Keven Ji Receives Media Attention for Sleep Apnea Research

Keven Seung Yong Ji, a Duke CTSA TL1 Pre-Doctoral scholar and medical student at the Duke University School of Medicine, has spent part of his time at Duke working on his research project, “Symptom profile of chronic rhinosinusitis vs. obstructive sleep apnea.” HIs work has attracted media attention, most recently from MDEdge News. His project was also featured as an oral presentation at the Triological Society Combined Sections Meeting 2019.

Keven’s research looks at chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), which involves the inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which causes sleep disruption. In the study, Keven and his mentor, Dr. David Jang, compared symptom profiles of CRS and OSA using the 22-Item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) questionnaire.

“I like using research projects not only to improve my ability to apply the appropriate statistical methodology, but also to learn about the various head and neck pathologies,” Keven explained. “One of the subspecialties I’m interested in is rhinology, so I thought this would be a really cool project to get me introduced into the field.”

Keven first heard about CTSI from a classmate. What struck him the most about the program was its mission to train clinicians to better understand and implement translational and clinical research.

“I would like to become a clinician who thoroughly understands the fundamentals of sound, ethical research,” he said. “I also want to be able to critically interpret and integrate studies in order to advocate for the optimal management of my future patients.”

As a CTSI scholar, Keven has gotten to further develop his skillset in areas such as coding, statistical analysis and writing. He believes the program has helped shine a light on areas where he can grow more, and feels it has provided a glimpse into what his career could look like as a clinician.

Out of the many opportunities he’s received at Duke, Keven believes working with CTSI has been one of the most impactful. Being involved with the program has allowed him to expand his way of thinking and explore new areas of clinical research. Keven has appreciated support from the Duke Surgical Center for Outcomes Research (SCORES) and other mentors in the division of Duke Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, particularly Dr. Jang, Dr. David Edelman, and Stephanie Molner.

“Duke is such an enriching place that turns people into well-rounded physicians,” Keven said. “CTSI makes sure there’s no hindrance to you reaching your full potential. They do everything they can to help you succeed.”

Learn more about the CTSA TL1 Pre-Doctoral Scholarship.

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