Lucía Gallego: “I have always liked to think that I can influence the best care of patients”

In this interview, the IIS Aragón researcher talks about her work leading the Group 'Anesthesia and Organ Protection. Pulmonary Protection Ventilation' (GIIS083) and the challenges she faces

Lucía Gallego Ligorit, doctor specializing in Anesthesiology and Resuscitation, knew early on his vocation for medicine and research. With an extensive resume that includes a doctorate in Medicine and Surgery, studies in statistics and design, and various certifications in teaching and data processes, Lucía has dedicated her career to improving medical practices and patient well-being:

“I have always liked to think that I can influence the best care of patients. Research to improve medicine.”

Since January 2019, Lucía Gallego is the Principal Investigator of the Anesthesia and Organic Protection Research Group in Lung Protective Ventilation (GIIS083) of the IIS Aragón.

What lines of research are being worked on in your group?

In my group we focus on Lung Protective Ventilation to reduce postoperative complications and hospital stay. Another significant line of research of my group is Anesthetic Management of the Elderly Patient. Additionally, we collaborate on studies on sedation with dexmedetomidine and diaphragmatic paralysis after brachial plexus blocks.

We are also researching new biomarkers for the detection of acute renal failure and thromboelastometry.

What is the main challenge your research group is currently facing?

The main challenge is the lack of time and resources. It is very difficult to reconcile healthcare work at HUMS with research work. You can propose projects, write them, and even collect data. The difficult thing is to transcribe this data into databases and analyze it. Make time for that. It would be great to have staff to help us collect and transcribe data. Yes we have supported by the IIS Aragón several times in their analysis. We also miss help with translation. We have to pay for those services. And the same thing happens with publications (in many magazines it is necessary to make a payment to publish).

I also want to highlight that there are lack of incentives (time, financial...) and that it is difficult to motivate other people. All this gives rise to a great personal sacrifice.

Any ongoing projects that you would like to highlight?

I would highlight our project on Lung Protective Ventilation in Thoracic Surgery, reduction in postoperative complications.

What profiles make up your research team?

My team is made up of anesthesiologists and anesthesia residents.

Why should companies bet on research, and specifically, on your group?

Because the complications derived from surgical interventions and anesthesia, not only the respiratory ones, affect the morbidity and mortality of patients and the consumption of economic resources.

Advice for someone starting out in healthcare research?

Patience and sacrifice, if you really like it.