RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY IN: PEDIATRICS, OBSTETRICS, AND DEVELOPMENTAL NEUROLOGY
RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY IN:
PEDIATRICS, OBSTETRICS, AND DEVELOPMENTAL NEUROLOGY
The incidence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is now 1 per 50 live births, a striking increase over the past several decades. While this increase may partially be the result of increased ASD awareness and improved instruments of diagnosis, the true prevalence of ASD is very likely also increasing, probably due to exposure to potentially toxic environmental factors, particularly in utero. Notably, the use of prenatal ultrasound has increased substantially during recent decades, and its previously occasional use during the first trimester of pregnancy has become much more common. New ultrasound technology results in more detailed images, but this also requires longer periods of exposure. Though ultrasound has generally been regarded as safe, limited research has been done to assess the safety of the latest ultrasound techniques on the developing fetus.
This research project aims to study the interplay between fetal ultrasound exposure and incidence of later autism in offspring of these mothers, an area of limited previous research. Our interdisciplinary team combines the expertise of leaders in the fields of child neurology, developmental pediatrics, and obstetrics. We are seeking an enthusiastic MPH or MD/MPH candidate to join our accomplished team. Specifically we are looking for a student to lead the collection and analysis of the fetal ultrasound data. Data collection could be done on the student’s own schedule and would require a time commitment of approximately 10-20 hours a week. Clinical opportunities will be available to shadow physicians in child neurology, developmental pediatrics, or obstetrics-gynecology. Participation in this project will likely result in co-authorship of one or more manuscripts as well as the opportunity to present at medical conferences.
If you are interested, please send your resume and contact information to Paul Rosman, MD (Paul.Rosman@bmc.org), Professor of Pediatrics and Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center.
