"Dr. Simianu has a tremendous record of both conducting and promoting research at VMMC. I look forward to the renewed energy and collaborative spirit he will bring to our research community as well as the mentorship he will provide to clinicians who are new to research,” says Dr. McCormick.
Dr. Pong adds that Dr. Simianu is a “champion for our patients, as demonstrated by his dedication to research and collaboration across disciplines.”
Other responsibilities that Dr. Simianu will hold include promoting clinical research engagement among medical staff at VMMC through research symposiums and open forums, as well as teaching sessions supporting new investigators; co-chairing the Wilske Clinical and Translational Research Committee alongside BRI Director for Translational Immunology Karen Cerosaletti, PhD — notably, some of Dr. Simianu’s initial work was supported by a Wilske General Chair Award; and assuring that VMMC provider-led research is conducted in accordance with established clinical research guidelines.
In undertaking his new responsibilities, Dr. Simianu states that he hopes to unite VMMC through research and innovation — and, in particular, embolden and support young faculty, trainees and advanced practice providers in their research pursuits.
Dr. Simianu earned his Doctor of Medicine from Indiana University in 2010. He went on to earn his Master of Public Health from the University of Washington in 2015 and complete a general surgery residency at the University of Washington in 2017. In 2018, he completed a colon and rectal surgery fellowship at the University of Minnesota.
In his free time, Dr. Simianu enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and daughter.
Visit our Clinical Research at VMMC page to learn more about BRI’s clinical research program, including opportunities to collaborate with our team or join a research study. Interested individuals may also contact crp@benaroyaresearch.org or (206) 342-6915 for more information.