In its third year, the Resident Project of the Year Award was created to recognize the excellent work our residents do in their residency projects. Preceptors were able to nominate their residents' project and include a justification of why the project should win the award. From there, each nomination was reviewed and awarded by the Residency Advisory Committee. The winner was recognized during the graduation ceremony.
Lucas Kosobuski, PharmD
Nominated by Kati Dvorak at Welia Health
"Development of a Child Agitation Protocol"
“The development of an acute agitation protocol for children in our rural health system was a critical need when Lucas began his residency. Our emergency department frequently treated children experiencing acute agitation, leaving staff uncertain about how to provide the best care during these vulnerable moments. Lucas's expertise in research and mental health equipped him to create an evidence-based, user-friendly protocol tailored for the entire Welia Health System. He spent countless hours working with providers and nursing staff, observing real cases, and gathering input. After reviewing extensive literature, he designed a comprehensive protocol that included both non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment options. Lucas partnered with the pharmacy manager to address medication availability and staff access, then presented the protocol to the P&T Committee and Medical Staff for approval. Recognizing that consistent use of the protocol is key, he dedicated significant time to educating providers and nursing staff, ensuring they understood and could confidently apply the new protocol. This initiative has standardized our approach to managing acute agitation, enhanced provider confidence in treating this fragile population, and ultimately improved the quality of care for our pediatric patients.” - Kati Dvorak