Research

Research is an important mission in the Department of Surgery at Thomas Jefferson University. The Division of Surgical Research, led by Dr. Jonathan Brody, helps to focus research initiatives and encourage collaboration within the department and among other institutions. In recent years, the department has expanded its research effort with substantial recruitment of new faculty in the areas of vascular biology, transplantation, cardiac surgery and cancer biology. There are six full-time research faculty on staff.

All Divisions in the Department have viable research laboratories with an interest in advancing translational research projects that directly relate to clinical problems. There is also a diversity of projects that involve both clinical and basic science investigations.

Residents in the Department of Surgery spend one to two years in the laboratory and usually work in one of the laboratories within the Department. The purpose of this year is to educate residents in the principles and practices of surgical research and assist them in obtaining high quality fellowships. This year is typically added after the third clinical year. The Department also has surgery residents from other programs that have chosen to come to Jefferson for their research experience. 

The Department hosts a bi-weekly research seminar that is designed to communicate results of ongoing research projects and to provide a core body of research knowledge to students, residents and junior faculty. Topics covered during the year include basic molecular biology techniques, design of clinical studies, animal models, statistical analysis, and grant writing. 

The Department has seen a tremendous increase in the submission of abstracts, manuscripts and grant applications. This increased research activity is further evidence of the commitment of the Department to making the research effort an integral part of the Departmental Mission.