UC Irvine Trauma Research Associates Program
Bio 199 Research Opportunity at the UCI Medical Center
The Trauma Research Associates Program (T-RAP) is comprised of a small group of UC Irvine undergraduates conducting clinical research studies at the UCI Medical Center in Orange, CA. The program operates under the guidance of Dr. Allen Kong, MD, FACS, and together with the UCI Bio Sci 199 Research Opportunities Program.
About Us
UCI undergraduates in the Trauma Research Associates Program (T-RAP) are directly involved in the clinical research studies conducted at our Level I Trauma Center in Orange, CA. Program participants have opportunities for direct patient interaction, instruction in IRB protocols, and proposal writing for independent research studies. Many of our members have submitted their work for UCI’s Excellence in Research Program and presented at the Undergraduate Research Symposium.
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In addition to assisting with research for the trauma service, T-RAP focuses on building knowledge of clinical trauma topics through shadowing opportunities, quarterly presentations, and attending Grand Rounds. Program participants are encouraged to propose and pursue individual research interests with guidance and mentorship from our program director, Dr. Allen Kong. As a program we aim to foster the growth and development of our students as future healthcare leaders and professionals.
Leadership
T-RAP Director & Advisor
Allen Kong, M.D.
Program Coordinators
Khang Bui
Melissa Plata
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Current Research Associates
Jolie Attalla
Stephan Bannikov
Diya Garg
Akshita Gorantla
Ghadah Hassan
Yash Kadakia
Justine Mica Legaspi
Sophia Ma
Michael Nguyen
Neha Ramiah
Anushka Singhal
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Research Projects
Computerized Alcohol and Drug Screening Intervention (CADSI)
Our group is currently involved in the active screening of admitted trauma patients via a Computerized Alcohol Screening Intervention survey to help identify at-risk and dependent drinkers, which provides important information to healthcare workers who can intervene when necessary.
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The Effects of Alcohol Consumption on Trauma Associated Coagulopathy: An Age Group Comparison
This independent research study investigates the effect of alcohol consumption on coagulation in trauma patients based on their age group. Because hemostasis is an important factor in keeping patients stable, any sort of substance that affects this balance should be determined. Alcohol has been known to have a complex interaction with the various coagulation factors found in the blood. Since an increase in age is associated with varying amounts of these coagulation factors as well as varying levels of platelet aggregation, alcohol's effect on coagulation time as well as platelet count will be compared in young adults, middle aged adults, and elderly patients.
Opioid Medication in Pain Management of Acutely Intoxicated Blunt Force Trauma Patients
Alcohol intoxication represents a large percentage of admitted trauma patients, so it is important to understand how prescribing opioids for pain management affects this patient demographic. A retrospective analysis of hospital length of stay, inpatient mortality, cognition evaluations, and average pain scores would give an indication as to whether or not opioid administration is indeed harmful to the intoxicated trauma patient. The findings of this study would serve as a metric by which the current patient care protocol can be amended to ensure better care for intoxicated trauma patients.
Investigating the Relationship Between Blood Alcohol Concentration, Marijuana Usage, and Injury Severity Score
Following Traumatic Motor Vehicle Accidents
According to the CDC, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death in the first three decades of American’s lives. With the legalization of recreational marijuana in California in late 2016, there have not been many studies investigating whether the presence of both alcohol and marijuana in a patient’s system has a greater effect on motor vehicle injuries than marijuana or alcohol intoxication alone. This study will assess whether having alcohol and marijuana in patients’ systems has a correlation with inpatient mortality, length of stay (LOS), the ICU LOS, ventilator duration, and injury severity score (ISS).
Prescription Medications and the Frequency of Fall-Related Operative Fractures
Falls are a significant health concern, especially amongst older adults. Evaluation of certain prescription medications which may increase the risk for an injurious fall can provide helpful information for physicians when prescribing drugs for frail patients. This independent research study will utilize chart review to investigate the incidence of fall-related fractures with the use of different prescription medications in adults, 18 years and older.
Comparing the Risks of Osteoporotic Fractures in Patients Taking Preinjury Warfarin or Direct Oral Anticoagulants
Previous literature has indicated that warfarin, which is a vitamin K antagonist, may lead to increased osteoporotic fracture risk and decreased bone density in elderly patients. The purpose of this retrospective study is to compare the fracture risks between patients on traditional warfarin anticoagulation and the newer direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) which are increasingly used as alternatives to warfarin in the clinical setting. If DOACs demonstrate a lower incidence of fractures, when compared to warfarin-anticoagulated patients, its advantages over warfarin may be even greater than already known in terms of morbidity and mortality.
Injury Severity in Diabetic Patients with Fall-Induced TBIs during Hypoglycemic Events
This independent study aims to determine the differences in fall-induced traumatic brain injury severity in elderly diabetic patients with hypoglycemic events (blood glucose < 70 mg/dL) during or moments prior to injury in comparison to elderly diabetic patients with normal glycemia or hyperglycemia (blood glucose > 70mg/dL).
This is not an exhaustive list of all of the independent studies that are currently being worked on.
Program Application
The Spring 2024 application for the Trauma Research Associates Program is now closed. Applications for the 2025-26 cohort will open in Spring 2025.
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Application description: The T-RAP program application is open to all current UC Irvine undergraduates and can be accessed via the link provided below. Select applicants following the initial review process will be invited for an interview. If you have any questions regarding your application status or would like more information regarding our program, please reach out to the Program Coordinator via email at uci.trap.coordinators@gmail.com
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be current UC Irvine undergraduates in good academic standing and meet the following prerequisites:
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Meet all standard Bio Sci 199 requirements
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Have a minimum 3.0 GPA
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Minimum 1 year commitment (including Spring, Summer, and Winter breaks)
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Have reliable transportation to the UCI Medical Center
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Submit a program application by the deadline.
Program Requirements
​Maintain professionalism in dress, conduct, and correspondence. T-RAP members must dress in accordance to the UCIMC dress code which requires business professional attire with ID badge while on campus.
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Attend program meetings at the UCIMC which are held throughout the quarter every other week on Thursday afternoons. Meeting dates and times may change based on students' availabilities.
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Attend and write summaries on three Department of Surgery Grand Rounds, which are held every Thursday from 7:30-8:30am.
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Prepare presentations on trauma topics and procedures. T-RAP members have the opportunity to shadow procedures after completing their OR training.