Researcher Spotlight: Laurence Busse

What is your professional background?
I completed my medical education at George Washington University, where I stayed on for my internal medicine residency, and fellowship training in critical care medicine. Thereafter, I worked as an intensivist at Inova Fairfax Medical Center in northern Virginia before joining Emory University in 2016. I originally worked as an intensivist in 2E and 2W ICU at Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital, where I was also the medical director of critical care. In 2018, I shifted my clinical work to a new critical care section at Emory Johns Creek, where I currently serve as medical director for critical care. Prior to my medical career, I received my Master of Business Administration from Emory University and worked in the financial sector.

In what division do you work, and who is your mentor?
I am an assistant professor in the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine. I am fortunate to have many mentors who have helped to guide me including Jon Sevransky and Greg Martin, both of my division, as well as Craig Coopersmith and Tim Buchman from the Department of Surgery.

Briefly describe your research. Why is it important?
My research focuses on catecholamine-resistant septic shock, and the utilization of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) angiotensin II to support blood pressure. Currently, I am exploring the role of angiotensin II in non-septic shock states, like post-cardiovascular surgery vasoplegia or cardiogenic shock. I am also trying to answer the question of whether one vasopressor class works better than another in various clinical scenarios. As part of this effort, I am evaluating serum renin as a theragnostic to indicate RAAS failure in shock. 

What do you like most about Emory?
I feel totally supported balancing my clinical and administrative work with my research. Additionally, there’s a real commitment at every level, from my division director Dr. David Guidot to administration at my hospital (EJCH), to support my efforts to shape my career as I see fit. Because of this, I have been able to achieve a real sense of balance professionally and personally.

What is your favorite movie or TV show?
I am a science fiction junkie and enjoy movies or shows with a post-apocalyptic theme (i.e., “Interstellar,” “The Matrix,” and “Inception”). 

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I am an avid Chicago Cubs fan and try to watch all of their games. I’m also teaching my 11-year-old son how to golf (and he can already out-drive me). 

What is a fun fact about you?
I love the mountains, but don’t like cold weather. I don’t care for the beach but love hot summer days. So north Georgia and Tennessee are my perfect places, which is ironic because I was raised in northern Illinois (basically the opposite).