SUMMARY
The research of Mayo Clinic pharmacist and clinician-scientist Patrick M. Wieruszewski, Pharm.D., R.Ph., focuses on circulatory failure in patients who are acutely ill. His areas of study lie in understanding the intersection between circulatory physiology, medical devices, and vascular dysfunction. To understand and address circulatory dysfunction in acute disease, Dr. Wieruszewski uses translational research methods and clinical trials, leveraging real-world high-fidelity data from sources such as hemodynamic monitors and medical devices.
Focus areas
- Human circulatory physiology. Circulatory failure is one of the most common reasons for admission to the intensive care unit. Dr. Wieruszewski and his collaborators explore the mechanisms, predictors, and outcomes of circulatory dysfunction.
- Vasoactive pharmacology. Vasoactive medications are used to increase blood flow and blood pressure to perfuse organs. Dr. Wieruszewski employs specific pharmacologic properties to optimize the application of vasoactive medications in patients with circulatory failure.
- Extracorporeal circulation. Extracorporeal circulation techniques, including cardiopulmonary bypass and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, facilitate open-heart surgery and provide cardiopulmonary support in patients who are critically ill. Dr. Wieruszewski studies the effects and consequences of these devices on human physiology to enhance the safe and effective delivery of extracorporeal circulation.
- Evidence synthesis. The quantity of medical research increases every year. To inform evidence-based medicine, Dr. Wieruszewski and collaborators appraise and synthesize medical research evidence. They work to improve the methodology of systematic reviews and meta-analysis.
Significance to patient care
Dr. Wieruszewski wants to find new ways to help patients get well in the hospital. Because he cares for very sick patients in the intensive care unit, he studies the real problems doctors and nurses face every day. By learning how and why the body gets sick, his work helps create new and improved treatments to make patients feel better.
Professional highlights
- Fellow, American College of Critical Care Medicine, 2025.
- Leader, joint international task force on the reporting of norepinephrine dosages in research, European Society of Intensive Care Medicine and Society of Critical Care Medicine, 2023.
- Associate, Mayo Clinic Board of Governors, 2022.