Research Opportunities

Kevin Hughes, M.D. Surgical Oncology - Our goal is to leverage the power of information technology to help identify every mutation carrier for every hereditary cancer syndrome known to man BEFORE they develop cancer. We use Artificial Intelligence, graph and relational databases, knowledge management techniques and Natural Language Processing to organize the world’s literature on germline cancer genetics. We use this Knowledge Base to develop visualizations and Clinical Decision Support Tools that help bring clinical cancer genetic testing into the mainstream. 

Lucas McDuffie, M.D. Pediatric Surgery - Clinical research/outcomes studies in pediatric surgery 

Deepak K. Ozhathil, M.D. Burn Surgery - Research interests include understanding the microbiome of the burn wound using next generation sequencing technology and machine learning. Using cutting edge technology, my team plans to map out how the microbiome of the burn wound changes over time, responds to treatments and interact with the immune system.  Machine learning will be the key to translating this data into meaningful interventions. 

Adam Tanious, M.D. Vascular Surgery -  National vascular curriculum. My research focuses on 3 main categories: Innovation, Education, Clinical Vascular Outcomes.  I co-chair the Vascular Surgery Innovation Group which meets quarterly to generate new ideas for novel devices.  Additionally, we also have several education projects as well as clinical vascular outcomes projects in various stages and are excited to welcome anyone interested to join our efforts!

Sanford Zeigler, M.D. Cardiothoracic Surgery  - Artificial intelligence and machine learning in ICU  Clinical outcomes in aortic surgery  Device development in aortic surgery  Atrial fibrillation surgery  Enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery  Myocardial protection

To see more AI / ML / NLP research being conducted in the Department of Surgery, visit the Harvey and Marcia Schiller Surgical Innovation Center, 

Evert Eriksson, M.D., Acute Care, Trauma, Burn, Surgical Critical Care  - I am involved with clinical research initiatives looking at trauma care as well as ICU care.  I have a particular interest in coagulation, neurotrauma, and thoracic trauma. My research focus is in improving the care of traumatically injured patients.  We are looking at the operative and non-operative management of patients with rib fractures.  I am particularly interested in the quality of life improvement from acute rib fractures.  Additionally we are investigating outpatient rib diseases (slipped rib syndrome, xyphoidynia, and malunion / nonunion rib fractures.  Lastly, we are looking at the basic science of rib and abdominal wall anatomy and its effects on the acute treatment of chest wall injury.

Jeffrey Jones, Ph.D. Cardiothoracic Surgeryy - My lab is investigating the role of cellular phenotype change in the pathogensis of thoracic aortic aneurysm.

Rupak Mukherjee, Ph.D. Cardiothoracic Surgery -  Dr. Mukherjee’s research effort is focused on the structural and electrogenic aspects of cardiac disease progression as these events relate to remodeling of cardiac chambers.  In addition, Dr. Mukherjee is interested in determining the mechanisms through which light may affect wound healing and translate these studies into clinical applications.

Deepak K. Ozhathil, M.D. - Burn Surgery - Research interests include understanding the microbiome of the burn wound using next generation sequencing technology and machine learning. Using cutting edge technology, my team plans to map out how the microbiome of the burn wound changes over time, responds to treatments and interact with the immune system.  Machine learning will be the key to translating this data into meaningful interventions. 

T. Konrad Rajab, M.D. Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery - We are developing a new operation to deliver growing heart valve replacements for young children. This work involves large animal surgery in piglets and small animal surgery in rats. Our lab offers many opportunities to residents and medical students.

Jean Marie Ruddy, M.D. Vascular Surgery - I am a vascular surgeon-scientist who investigates tension-induced signaling in the aorta as it relates to hypertension and abdominal aortic aneurysm. Integrating animal and benchtop techniques has allowed undergraduate students, medical students, and residents to complete projects in the laboratory, present at national meetings, and write manuscripts for publication. Our team in the cardiovascular research lab is supportive and we have success obtaining funding for the lab experience.

Robert Sade, M.D. Cardiothoracic Surgery  - We have developed a clinical and translational research ethics certificate program, which has finished over 100 graduates. We also have published over 200 papers on topics in bioethics, surgical ethics, and research ethics, many with mentored residents and students as first author or coauthor.

Dirk Van der Windt, M.D. Ph.D.  Transplant Surgery  - I am a transplant surgeon and transplant immunologist. My research focuses on ex-vivo therapy of the liver during normothermic machine perfusion, in order to improve organ quality even prior to transplantation in the recipient. Currently, my investigations are aimed at anti-inflammatory treatment to reduce ischemia and reperfusion injury. In addition, the time on the perfusion pump provides an exceptional window of opportunity for treatment strategies that will have a long-lasting effect post-transplant, such as the introduction of (epi)genetic modifications to have a beneficial effect on inflammation, rejection, or recurrence of steatosis or fibrosis in the liver graft. The overall goal is to develop innovative treatment strategies to intervene in the sequence of cell death, inflammation, antigen presentation, rejection, chronic allograft fibrosis and dysfunction, and thereby optimize marginal livers to avoid organ discard, and prolong graft survival after transplant. Between my partnership with Dr. Yuan Zhai in the Lee Patterson Allen Transplant Immunobiology Lab and the development of a clinical liver perfusion program, we have the full breath of translational scientific opportunities.

Yuan Zhai, M.D. Ph.D. Transplant Surgery - Dr. Zhai leads the MUSC Transplant Research team within the Lee Patterson Allen Transplant Immunobiology Lab, where he will work in concert with transplant surgeon and Vice Chair of Innovation Joseph Scalea, M.D. and Dirk van der Windt, M.D. Ph.D. He is a nationally-renowned basic science researcher in organ transplantation who aspires to help patients minimize the use of immunosuppressive drugs by therapeutically establishing/enhancing their transplant-specific immune regulatory functions or tolerance. In his research endeavors, he collaborates with clinicians to test novel molecules and pathways derived from animal studies as markers of tissue injury and inflammation, with the goal to translate research into clinical application.  Academic research training of the next generation of scientists has been an important component in his laboratory. Since 2004, more than 20 postdoctoral fellows and college students have been involved in his research projects.  The overall goal of the research of the lab is to elucidate the mechanisms of inflammatory immune activation and resolution in liver ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury. His work in Kupffer cells (KC)/macrophage subsets in IR livers revealed that liver inflammatory immune activation is associated with increase of infiltrating macrophages (iMØs) and a drastic depletion of resident KCs (KCs). The opposite, i.e., contraction of iMØs and recovery of KCs, is associated with the resolution of liver inflammation. Additionally, M1 polarization is evident in the activation stage, and M2 polarization in the resolution stage of liver immune response in both liver macrophage subsets.Dr. Zhai hypothesizes that IR triggers KC necroptosis which constitutes a key mechanism of liver inflammatory immune activation and functions in synergy with the infiltration and activation of iMØs. Additionally, KCs execute the homeostatic function in liver IRI by phagocytosis of apoptotic/necrotic cells, which regulates KC innate immune activation and promotes their polarization towards immune regulatory/reparative type.  Results will potentially provide novel rationale to design appropriate cell-targeted therapies to ameliorate liver IRI. 

Andrea Abbott, M.D. MSCR - Surgical Oncology -  There is a new opportunity for a Certificate in Clinical Research: This opportunity will be available on a merit basis to a resident who is interested in clinical outcomes and clinical trials research. The certificate is earned through the College of Medicine and involves online courses in biostatistics, epidemiology, grant writing, etc. The online courses can be taken over one to two years and will count as credit toward a Masters in Clinical Research if the resident desires. Upon completion of the certificate program the resident will have 17 credit hours and will have the foundation to develop clinical research questions, functioning knowledge of how to calculate statistics within a research framework, and will have established connections with outcomes researchers within MUSC. -- I will serve as the overall research mentor for this project but will facilitate additional research relationships based upon the residents' interests. -- The number of residents who will be offered this opportunity is not predetermined and again will be chosen on merit of application. --Any resident interested in this opportunity should contact abbottan@musc.edu

Milton Armstrong, M.D. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery -  My research i in clinical outcomes research in pediatric hand, reduction mammaplasty, and the use of Artificial intelligence in plastic surgery.

Thomas Curran, M.D. MPH Colorectal Surgery - We have multiple active projects within colorectal surgery.  Specifically, we have efforts aimed at equitable delivery of guideline concordant care for colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease.  We welcome participation of residents and students in these efforts. 

Bruce Crookes, M.D., Acute Care, Trauma, Burn, Surgical Critical Care  - My research involves around QI and basic science (particularly VTE).

Kevin Delaney, M.D. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery - Breast reconstruction outcomes studies

Kate Engelhardt, M.D. MS, Cardiothoracic Surgery -  My research includes database analyses for lung transplant outcomes, database analyses for lung cancer and esophageal cancer care delivery, and the implementation of a shared decision tool for patients with early-stage lung cancer deciding between surgery and radiation.  I am a new thoracic surgeon here and have significant  time protected for research with ample time to mentor students, especially those interested in lung and esophageal cancer, cancer care delivery, surgery, lung transplant, or general health services research methods. I also sit on the editorial board for the Annals of Thoracic Surgery and the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, as well as serve as an ad hoc reviewer for the Annals of Surgical Oncology, Medical Care, and American Journal of Surgery, so I am asked to write editorials a few times a year; I would be happy to help students get some mentored experience with the peer review process and/or writing editorials.

Evert Eriksson, M.D., Acute Care, Trauma, Burn, Surgical Critical Care  - I am involved with clinical research initiatives looking at trauma care as well as ICU care.  I have a particular interest in coagulation, neurotrauma, and thoracic trauma. My research focus is in improving the care of traumatically injured patients.  We are looking at the operative and non-operative management of patients with rib fractures.  I am particularly interested in the quality of life improvement from acute rib fractures.  Additionally we are investigating outpatient rib diseases (slipped rib syndrome, xyphoidynia, and malunion / nonunion rib fractures.  Lastly, we are looking at the basic science of rib and abdominal wall anatomy and its effects on the acute treatment of chest wall injury.

Fernando Herrera, M.D. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery - My research interests are outcomes based research for breast reconstruction, limb salvage, disparities of care, and complex reconstructions

Yulia Gavrilova, Ph.D.  Acute Care, Trauma, Burn, Surgical Critical Care  -  My research initiatives are being shaped currently as the burn behavioral health program is developing.

Gabriel Klein M.D. MS -- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery - Outcomes based research for breast reconstruction, limb salvage, disparities of care, and complex reconstructions

Aaron Lesher, M.D., Pediatric Surgery  -  My research lab centers around the use of telemedicine to address healthcare disparities for underserved populations. Specifically, I am investigating the role of mobile health applications in the treatment of outpatient pediatric burns. I also have a number of other clinical research projects in common pediatric surgical diseases, such as gastrostomy use, inguinal hernia, and NEC.

Mike M.Mallah, M.D. - Trauma Surgery The Global Surgery Program is currently writing book chapters and conducting research in anything global health or global surgery related. Previous work includes topics ranging from "Management of Mass Casualty" and "Neck Trauma" in a Low-Middle Income Country (LMIC) context to "MUSC graduating medical student attitudes to global health" and "Surgical resident experience in LMICs compared with US surgical resident experience". The program is open to any/all ideas related to global health research from needs assessment, implementation, qualitative and quantitative investigation. 

Deepak K. Ozhathil, M.D. Burn Surgery - Research interests include understanding the microbiome of the burn wound using next generation sequencing technology and machine learning. Using cutting edge technology, my team plans to map out how the microbiome of the burn wound changes over time, responds to treatments and interact with the immune system.  Machine learning will be the key to translating this data into meaningful interventions. 

Isis Scomacao M.D. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery - My interest is clinical research in plastic surgery. My main focus is on quality of life, outcomes, and innovative techniques in breast reconstruction, microsurgery, and lymphedema

Jeffrey M. Sutton, M.D., Surgical Oncology  - Historically, I have done clinical outcomes research in cost-effectiveness and educational research that I would like to continue.

Robert Sade, M.D. Cardiothoracic Surgery  - We have developed a clinical and translational research ethics certificate program, which has finished over 100 graduates. We also have published over 200 papers on topics in bioethics, surgical ethics, and research ethics, many with mentored residents and students as first author or coauthor.

Christian Streck, M.D., Pediatric Surgery  - My research interest is in Pediatric Trauma

Dave Taber, PharmD Transplant Surgery I am a practicing clinical pharmacist in transplantation and trained in health services research and epidemiology.  My research interests include medication safety, health care disparities and outcomes research as it pertains to secondary analyses of large-scale datasets, epidemiologic research and clinical trials.   I am open to mentoring resident(s) on outcomes research project(s) in any of these areas.

Adam Tanious, M.D. Vascular Surgery  - National vascular curriculum. My research focuses on 3 main categories: Innovation, Education, Clinical Vascular Outcomes.  I co-chair the Vascular Surgery Innovation Group which meets quarterly to generate new ideas for novel devices.  Additionally, we also have several education projects as well as clinical vascular outcomes projects in various stages and are excited to welcome anyone interested to join our efforts!

Dennis Vane, M.D.  Pediatric Surgery  - My research includes 20 years of clinical research.

Mathew Wooster, M.D., Vascular Surgery -  My interests are in technique descriptions, single center quality reviews, and case series in vascular surgery.

Sanford Zeigler, M.D. Cardiothoracic Surgery  - My research interests include: Artificial intelligence and machine learning in ICU | Clinical outcomes in aortic surgery  | Device development in aortic surgery | Atrial fibrillation surgery | Enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery | Myocardial protection

Colleen Donahue, M.D. Colorectal Surgery - Historically, I have done clinical outcomes research in cost-effectiveness and educational research that I would like to continue.

Lucas McDuffie, M.D., Pediatric Surgery - My research involves clinical research/outcomes studies in pediatric surgery. 

Jeffrey M. Sutton, MD, Surgical Oncology - Historically, I have done clinical outcomes research in cost-effectiveness and educational research that I would like to continue.

Cynthia Talley, M.D. Acute Care, Trauma, Burn, Surgical Critical Care - Surgical Education Research includes studying not only how we teach, but how students learn, the best environment, and trainee characteristics which can impact learning. We study curriculum development, new ways of assessing knowledge, and evaluating the impact of national standards. Currently, I have been looking at operative experience including case log practices and am building a longitudinal leadership curriculum.

Adam Tanious, M.D. Vascular Surgery -  National vascular curriculum. My research focuses on 3 main categories: Innovation, Education, Clinical Vascular Outcomes.  I co-chair the Vascular Surgery Innovation Group which meets quarterly to generate new ideas for novel devices.  Additionally, we also have several education projects as well as clinical vascular outcomes projects in various stages and are excited to welcome anyone interested to join our efforts!

Mathew Wooster, M.D. Vascular Surgery -  Technique descriptions, single center quality reviews, case series

Dennis Vane, M.D. Pediatric Surgery -  20 years of clinical research.

Bruce Crookes, M.D., Acute Care, Trauma, Burn, Surgical Critical Care  - My research involves around QI and basic science (particularly VTE).

Lucas McDuffie, M.D. Pediatric Surgery  - My research interests are in clinical research/outcomes studies in pediatric surgery.  

Adam Tanious, M.D. Vascular Surgery -  National vascular curriculum. My research focuses on 3 main categories: Innovation, Education, Clinical Vascular Outcomes.  I co-chair the Vascular Surgery Innovation Group which meets quarterly to generate new ideas for novel devices.  Additionally, we also have several education projects as well as clinical vascular outcomes projects in various stages and are excited to welcome anyone interested to join our efforts.

David Mahvi, M.D., Surgical Oncology - Human centered design, health system transformation to value based care

Lucas McDuffie, M.D. Pediatric Surgery  - My research interests are in clinical research/outcomes studies in pediatric surgery.  

T. Konrad Rajab, M.D. Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery - We are developing a new operation to deliver growing heart valve replacements for young children. This work involves large animal surgery in piglets and small animal surgery in rats. Our lab offers many opportunities to residents and medical students.

Adam Tanious, M.D. Vascular Surgery - National vascular curriculum. Adam Tanious, M.D. Vascular Surgery -  National vascular curriculum. My research focuses on 3 main categories: Innovation, Education, Clinical Vascular Outcomes.  I co-chair the Vascular Surgery Innovation Group which meets quarterly to generate new ideas for novel devices.  Additionally, we also have several education projects as well as clinical vascular outcomes projects in various stages and are excited to welcome anyone interested to join our efforts!

Kate Engelhardt, M.D., MS - My researchinterest in implementation science is the implementation of a shared decisiontool for patients with early stage lung cancer deciding between surgery and radiation. I am a new thoracic surgeon here and have 40% of my time protected for research so absolutely have time to mentor students, especially those interested in lung and esophageal cancer, cancer care delivery, surgery, lung transplant, or general health services research methods. 

Aaron Lesher, M.D., Pediatric Surgery - My research lab centers around the use of telemedicine to address healthcare disparities for underserved populations. Specifically, I am investigating the role of mobile health applications in the treatment of outpatient pediatric burns. I also have a number of other clinical research projects in common pediatric surgical diseases, such as gastrostomy use, inguinal hernia, and NEC.

Lucas McDuffie, M.D., Pediatric Surgery - My research involves clinical research/outcomes studies in pediatric surgery. 

Adam Tanious, M.D. Vascular Surgery - National vascular curriculum. Adam Tanious, M.D. Vascular Surgery -  National vascular curriculum. My research focuses on 3 main categories: Innovation, Education, Clinical Vascular Outcomes.  I co-chair the Vascular Surgery Innovation Group which meets quarterly to generate new ideas for novel devices.  Additionally, we also have several education projects as well as clinical vascular outcomes projects in various stages and are excited to welcome anyone interested to join our efforts!

Ashley Hink, M.D. MPH Trauma and Surgical Critical Care - We have multiple active projects within colorectal surgery.  Specifically, we have efforts aimed at equitable delivery of guideline concordant care for colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease.  We welcome participation of residents and students in these efforts.

Bruce Crookes, M.D., Acute Care, Trauma, Burn, Surgical Critical Care  - My research involves around QI and basic science (particularly VTE).

Evert Eriksson, M.D., Acute Care, Trauma, Burn, Surgical Critical Care  - I am involved with clinical research initiatives looking at trauma care as well as ICU care.  I have a particular interest in coagulation, neurotrauma, and thoracic trauma. My research focus is in improving the care of traumatically injured patients.  We are looking at the operative and non-operative management of patients with rib fractures.  I am particularly interested in the quality of life improvement from acute rib fractures.  Additionally we are investigating outpatient rib diseases (slipped rib syndrome, xyphoidynia, and malunion / nonunion rib fractures.  Lastly, we are looking at the basic science of rib and abdominal wall anatomy and its effects on the acute treatment of chest wall injury.

Colleen Donahue, M.D. Colorectal Surgery - Historically, I have done clinical outcomes research in cost-effectiveness and educational research that I would like to continue.

Kate Engelhardt, M.D. MS Cardiothoracic Surgery - My research includes database analyses for lung transplant outcomes, database analyses for lung cancer and esophageal cancer care delivery, and the implementation of a shared decision tool for patients with early-stage lung cancer deciding between surgery and radiation. I am a new thoracic surgeon here and have 40% of my time protected for research with ample time to mentor students, especially those interested in lung and esophageal cancer, cancer care delivery, surgery, lung transplant, or general health services research methods.

Yulia Gavrilova, Ph.D.  Acute Care, Trauma, Burn, Surgical Critical Care My research initiatives are being shaped currently as the burn behavioral health program is developing.

Lucas McDuffie, M.D., Pediatric Surgery My research involves clinical research/outcomes studies in pediatric surgery. 

Jeffrey M. Sutton, MD, Surgical Oncology Historically, I have done clinical outcomes research in cost-effectiveness and educational research that I would like to continue.

Dave Taber, PharmD Transplant Surgery I am a practicing clinical pharmacist in transplantation and trained in health services research and epidemiology.  My research interests include medication safety, health care disparities and outcomes research as it pertains to secondary analyses of large-scale datasets, epidemiologic research and clinical trials.   I am open to mentoring resident(s) on outcomes research project(s) in any of these areas.

Mathew Wooster, M.D., Vascular Surgery - Technique descriptions, single center quality reviews, case series

Sanford Zeigler, M.D. Cardiothoracic Surgery  Artificial intelligence and machine learning in ICU  Clinical outcomes in aortic surgery  Device development in aortic surgery  Atrial fibrillation surgery  Enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery  Myocardial protection

Bruce Crookes, M.D., Acute Care, Trauma, Burn, Surgical Critical Care  - My research involves around QI and basic science (particularly VTE).

Colleen Donahue, M.D. Colorectal Surgery - Historically, I have done clinical outcomes research in cost-effectiveness and educational research that I would like to continue.

Lucas McDuffie, M.D., Pediatric Surgery My research involves clinical research/outcomes studies in pediatric surgery. 

Jeffrey M. Sutton, M.D., Surgical Oncology Historically, I have done clinical outcomes research in cost-effectiveness and educational research that I would like to continue.

Mathew Wooster, M.D., Vascular Surgery - Technique descriptions, single center quality reviews, case series