E. Wesley “Wes” Ely, MD, MPH, Professor of Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Co-Director of the Critical Illness, Brain Dysfunction, and Survivorship (CIBS) Center — has built and led some of the most productive multidisciplinary research teams in critical care medicine. His work has transformed how we understand and treat ICU delirium, long-term cognitive impairment, and survivorship after critical illness, uniting clinicians, neuroscientists, and patients across institutions and disciplines.
In this interactive session, Dr. Ely will share lessons learned from decades of collaborative science — how to foster trust, align shared goals, and create psychologically safe, high-performing teams that produce meaningful, sustainable research. Participants will gain practical tools for building strong partnerships, navigating credit and communication challenges, and accelerating discovery through effective teamwork.