Basic Research

In concert with its commitment of academic development and clinical expertise, the Department of Surgery has developed an extensive research program, including 11 native laboratories with 22 full-time research personnel. Ten faculty members have research projects funded by either federal or private extramural funds.

Residents are encouraged to participate in ongoing research activities, whether their ultimate career goals are clinical, academic, or a combination of both. For those considering an academic career, two research years are included in their residency program, and are usually taken between the PGY-2 and PGY-3 years. A resident can gain experience in fields as physiology, cell biology, molecular biology, immunology, and outcomes research during their resident research experience.

This wide variety of research projects ensures that a resident seeking research experience will be able to find a project which will match with his or her specialty interest. In addition, faculty research expertise contributes current knowledge and basic science information to the general training program, thereby enriching and complementing the residency chemical training experience, as well, with superb collaborative opportunities in the respective Basic Science departments.

Residents who opt for formal research training are supported either by a competitive award from the Division of Surgical Research, by outside fellowships, or by the individual faculty member's research funds. Residents interested in research should select a mentor and submit a proposal detailing their proposed research experience by the middle of the PGY-2 year. The majority of research residents return to a PGY-3 clinical year after two years in the laboratory. An additional third year, however, is possible when warranted by research productivity.

Our research residents continue to compile admirable records of national presentations, peer-reviewed publications, and academic research awards. The emphasis on training academic surgeons at UMMHC will continue to heighten in the years to come.

Human Subjects Educational Training Program 

Researchers are required to successfully complete the online Collaborative IRB Training Initiative (CITI) Program before beginning projects that involve human subjects research. 

IRB applications and/or amendments will be reviewed and processed after this program is completed.  

To register for the CITI program online, click here. Select the Biomedical Investigator Course Learner Group 1. Do not select the Social & Behavioral Investigator Course.