By Alan R. Tait, Ph.D.
As one of the longest serving members of the department's research group, I am extremely proud of the advances that we have made in obtaining recognition as one of the leading academic anesthesia departments in the country. It seems so far removed from our humble beginnings when in 1977, Dr. Peter Cohen having acquired approximately 300 sq. ft. of space in the Kresge II Building charged Dr. Michael Nahrwold and myself to set up a research laboratory and promote an interest in research within the department. It was at that time that the concept of the 'Core Laboratory' was developed wherein any member of the department 'with an idea' was eligible to use the facility. Funding was not as great an issue at that time and every investigator had their own technician Ñ me! Much of the work then was performed on large animals, a trend which has largely disappeared today. Drs. Michael de Rosayro and Timothy Rutter no doubt have fond recollection of the infamous sheep model. I will say no more.
The research laboratories have essentially remained in the Kresge complex, and over the years we have increased our space to approximately 4,000 sq. ft. It would appear that this amount of space represents a quantum leap from our original allocation, however, with the increased number of research personnel and federally funded projects, we appear to have reached a critical mass. Recently, as part of a massive Medical School renovation project, Dr. Kevin Tremper was able to secure a commitment for approximately 6,000 sq. ft. on the seventh floor of the Medical Science I Building with the possibility of acquiring an additional 2,000 sq. ft. of 'swing space' for future development. The cost of the renovation which will also include the sixth floor of Med Sci I is estimated at approximately $2 million. Although the cost of this project will be borne by the Medical School, a renovation grant proposal was submitted to the NIH to help defray the costs. This application for funding was based on a proposal submitted by the department of anesthesiology and was chosen over proposals from two other competing departments.
Over the past few months Drs. Bert La Du, Dixon Wilde, Ken Massey and myself, together with Margo Douthat, our Research Administrator, have been meeting with members of Facility Management to design the new laboratory space. Recently, the initial plans were presented at the Departmental Research Committee meeting, the faculty meeting and to individual investigators to elicit departmental input and to identify and incorporate any specific needs. At this time, it is anticipated that renovation will be completed by the fall/winter of 1995.
Design of the new space was tempered somewhat by the requirement of the dean to make laboratories as generic as possible, however, the architects have been extremely generous in allowing us individual leeway in designing specific areas. The floor plan of the new space is shown below. In general the space has been divided into seven main areas incorporating the original concept of the 'Core Laboratory' wherever possible. These areas include an animal surgery suite, electrophysiological laboratory, 'wet lab', molecular biology laboratory, small animal laboratory, and an administrative area including a conference room and library. Office space is also available together with tissue culture rooms, a walk-in cold room, a dark room and an equipment room housing a dish washer and autoclave. In addition, space for equipment is afforded by the placement of hallway alcoves which will be invaluable for housing ice machines, refrigerators and freezers.
The development of this space provides a great opportunity to centralize our resources and improve the efficiency of the laboratories. In particular, the new space will be in close proximity to the main anesthesiology office and to the operating rooms and will allow greater access of the clinical faculty to the research laboratories. This access will be further facilitated by a bridge which will eventually link Med Sci I, the new Cancer Center and University Hospital.
From our humble roots in Kresge II, the research division now looks forward to a new and exciting step in its development. For an 'old timer' such as myself it is particularly satisfying to see the progress made over the years and I look forward to continued advancement for many years to come.