Research

Kaloian Georgeiev Ouzounov, DPM, MS

News

Barry University's Division of Medicine Appoints Dr. Ouzounov Director of Research

Barry University 's Division of Medicine is pleased to announce that Dr. Kaloian Georgeiev Ouzounov has been appointed to the position of director of research for the School of Podiatric Medicine. The appointment was effective on July 1, 2006.

Dr. Ouzounov also serves as associate professor of podiatric medicine for the University, teaching research methodology, epidemiology, and statistics, and performs duties as clinical coordinator of podiatric medical rotations.

Dr. Ouzounov completed his Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences at the State University of New York in Buffalo. He earned a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences from Barry University, and graduated summa cum laude in 1998 with a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from the Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine. In 2001, Dr. Ouzounov completed 3 years as a resident at South Miami Foot and Ankle Program, working together with over 15 Attending Podiatric Physicians, under the guidance of residency director Jason Hanft, DPM, and Keith Kashuk, DPM.

Dr. Ouzounov has performed research in the treatment of diabetic wounds, mortality and morbidity of hospitalized diabetic patients, utilization of total contact casting, and participated in clinical trials of the human skin substitutes Dermagraft ® and Apiligraf ® . He recently published an article entitled "New Nail Block Technique" published in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association.

Prior to coming to Barry as a full-time faculty, Dr. Ouzounov was the staff podiatric physician for Community Health of South Dade, Inc., and also performed various duties as an adjunct faculty at Barry University for the past five years. He is board qualified in fore-foot and rear-foot /ankle reconstructive surgery by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery.

According to Dr. Chet Evans, vice president of medical affairs for the Division of Medicine and dean of the School of Podiatric Medicine, "Dr. Ouzounov will lead our research endeavors to further Barry's prominent role in podiatric medical education and clinical research for years to come."

Podiatric Medicine Students' Current Research Projects

1. Analysis of Adipose Tissues in the Foot.

This study utilizes multiple tissue adipose samples from cadaver specimens to contrast and compare the structure of foot/leg fat on microscopic level. The cytoarchitectural design of the plantar fat pad is thought to play crucial role in the distribution of pressure and absorption of shock throughout the gate cycle. Analysis of the samples will be correlated to the manufacturing of foot orthoses as well as possible surgical fat pad replacement implants.

2. The role of the Circulator Boot in PVD.

This study explores the role of extracorporeal compression in patients with peripheral arterial disease. The Circulator Boot acts as an additional external heart, facilitating propulsion of blood through  stenotic vessels. The results of the study would have important implications in the area of wound healing.

3. Retrospective Analysis of Ankle Implants Procedures.

This study concentrates on the outcomes of ankle implants procedures. Ankle implants procedures are an important alternative treatment for the patients with severe degenerative joint disease of the leg and foot, who would like to stay active and maintain their standard of  living. Collected patient retrospective data is analyzed statistically and implications made about the future of ankle implants.

4. Posters for the upcoming ACFAS.

The March 2007 ACFAS is yet another opportunity to stimulate research and communicate with podiatry researchers on a national level. Poster presentation is a readily available form of research for the students and suitable to accomplish in a relatively short time as compared toclinical trials and follow-ups. Expected posters this year are in the area of post-op fever, wound healing and peripheral vascular disease.

5. Senior Class research papers.

It is part of the curriculum that every graduating student completes a publishable paper. Four or five students are assigned to each clinical faculty member. The clinical faculty then advises and monitors the progression of the student throughout the development of the project. Some of the current topics of the students assigned to me are Charcot's Foot, Calcaneal Fractures, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Foot Orthosis.