Research

The Vascular Integrated Residency Program at MUSC considers training in the application of research principles and the interpretation of current literature paramount to preparing contemporary trainees for the rapidly evolving practice of Vascular Surgery. Our well-rounded faculty provide expertise in institutional chart reviews, national database queries, quality improvement, and basic science investigations which allows for productive mentorship opportunities. Resident presentations at local, regional, and national conferences are encouraged and supported.

Our Vascular Integrated Program has established an on-campus network which enables residents to step away from clinical experience for one or two years to pursue dedicated training in basic science techniques or clinical outcomes. Dr. Jean Marie Ruddy has an NIH-funded laboratory investigating the formation and progression of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). She has successfully mentored students and residents who wish to expand their critical thinking and problem-solving skills through basic science research. An Institutional NIH T32 Training Grant is available to provide salary support and multi-disciplinary research training during the lab experience. Local funding sources such as the VA Quality Scholars Program are available to support dedicated clinical research time, however residents interested in this training will also be supported in applications for external funding sources.

Additionally, MUSC offers nationally-ranked programs in advanced degrees such as a Masters of Science in Clinical Research (MSCR) or a Masters in Public Health (MPH) and enrollment in these courses is available.

For more information about Dr. Ruddy’s research laboratory: https://medicine.musc.edu/departments/surgery/research/cardiovascular-research

We are very proud of the research accomplishments of our residents and some of the recent highlights are listed below:

Awards

Ryan King, MD – Department of Surgery Dabney Yarbrough Research Award 2020. This award is given to one trainee each year in the Department of Surgery who has demonstrated excellence in research. This marks the first time it was awarded to a member of an Integrated Residency and the first time it went to a resident who conducted all his research concurrent to his clinical training.

Ryan King, MD – MUSC Department of Surgery, Surgery Research Recognition Day First Place in Clinical Research Podium Presentations 2019

Publications

King RW, Gedney R, Ruddy JM, Genovese EA, Brothers TE, Veeraswamy RK, Wooster MD. Occlusion of the Celiac Artery during Endovascular Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair Is associated with Increased Perioperative Morbidity and Mortality. Ann Vasc Surg. 2020 Jul;66:200-211.

Anderson J, King R, Brothers T, Robison J, Veeraswamy R, Wooster M, Mukherjee R, Ruddy JM. Discharge to a Post-Acute Care Facility after Emergent Femoral Artery Repair is Not Protective Against Wound Complications. Ann Vasc Surg. 2020 Jul;66:400-405.

King RW, Wooster MD, Ruddy JM, Genovese EA, Anderson JM, Brothers TE, Veeraswamy RK. Previous thoracic aortic repair is not associated with adverse outcomes after thoracic endovascular aortic repair. J Vasc Surg. 2020 Apr;71(4):1097-1108.