Salem E. Hernández, MD

My research focuses on improving procedural learning, implementation, and patient safety in pulmonary and critical care medicine. Using qualitative, mixed-methods, and implementation science approaches, I study how clinicians acquire procedural competence, how ICU teams learn from high-stakes events, and how evidence-based educational interventions can be integrated into routine clinical practice. My long-term goal is to develop scalable strategies that improve procedural performance, learning environments, and patient outcomes across pulmonary and critical care medicine.

Structured Debriefing After ICU Intubation: National Survey and Implementation Framework (Principal Investigator)

This national mixed-methods study examines current debriefing practices following ICU intubation, identifies barriers and facilitators to implementation, and develops an evidence-informed framework for integrating structured debriefing into routine airway management. The project aims to improve procedural learning, team performance, and patient safety after high-risk airway procedures.

Psychological Grit and Entrustment in Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellowship (Principal Investigator)

This qualitative study explores how autonomy, supervision, procedural entrustment, and ICU learning environments influence the development of psychological grit during fellowship training. Findings will inform evidence-based approaches to procedural education and trainee development in critical care.

Family Presence on Rounds in Adult Medical ICUs: National Point-Prevalence Study (Yale Site Collaborator)

This multicenter study evaluates the prevalence and characteristics of family presence during adult ICU rounds across the United States. The project seeks to inform best practices for family engagement and communication in critical care.