SAEMF/RAMS Medical Student Research Grant - $2,500

"Triage Potential of Arterial Stiffness in Chest Pain: A Proposed Investigative Framework​"

The Research Division of UNC’s Emergency Medicine Department is conducting an ongoing observational pilot study between July 2025-July 2026 funded by an internal award. In this pilot, we are investigating the utility of arterial stiffness as a novel biomarker for differentiating intermediate-risk chest pain (CP) patients in the Emergency Department (ED) to support a future NIH grant application. Using three different validated devices to capture measurements of arterial stiffness among enrolled subjects, we will examine the feasibility of device use in the ED setting and its predictive value for short-term major adverse cardiac events. This cutting-edge pilot study is the first to translate arterial stiffness measures into the ED setting and to apply them to improve risk stratification of CP patients. By demonstrating the feasibility and clinical impact of our approach, we strive to advance the use of arterial stiffness in emergency care and lay the groundwork for future, larger-scale studies. We seek additional funding as proposed in this grant application to support an anciliary research project using data collected from the current study. The goal of the project is to further inform the utility of arterial stiffness in risk stratifying intermediate-risk CP patients.

Recipient(s)

  • Julia Godwin

    Julia Godwin

    University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    "Triage Potential of Arterial Stiffness in Chest Pain: A Proposed Investigative Framework​"

    Julia Godwin is a second-year medical student at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine with an interest in emergency medicine and clinical research, particularly in cardiovascular disease and risk stratification.

    Her work focuses on improving diagnostic and therapeutic decision-making in high-acuity emergency settings. Her current project examines the potential role of arterial stiffness in chest pain triage to enhance early identification of cardiovascular risk.

    Godwin developed a foundation in clinical research through the Mauricio Castillo Scholars Program, with experience in study design, data collection, and hypothesis-driven analysis. Under the mentorship of Dr. Casey Martin, she continues to build expertise in scientific writing, critical appraisal, and research communication, with the goal of pursuing a physician-scientist path in emergency medicine.