Research

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Our research aims to improve patients' lives through surgical innovation, basic and translational research, clinical research, and heath services and outcomes research. With the resources now available through the Harvey and Marcia Schiller Surgical Innovation Center, the Center for Cellular Therapy, enterprise-wide research resources, and a depth of clinical interests, the Department is well-equipped to support our teams’ expanding scope of research interests.

The Department of Surgery offers many research opportunities!

Students can join ongoing research projects with world-renowned faculty members dedicated to providing mentorship and shadowing experiences. To facilitate your search, we have organized our researchers by Surgical Division as well as by the Category of Research they conduct. If you see something interesting, please feel free to contact the faculty member directly for more information. Having trouble finding a match? We can help with that too! Please email Vice Chair of Research Jean Marie Ruddy, M.D. at ruddy@musc.edu with questions about finding the best research path for you!

Research by Division

Bruce Crookes MD 

Mentor: Bruce Crookes M.D.

Keywords: Clinical Research, Quality Improvement, Wellness, Entrepreneurship

Research Interests: My research involves around QI and basic science (particularly VTE).

Evert Eriksson MD 

Mentor: Evert Eriksson, M.D.

Keywords: Basic/Translational Research; Clinical Research; Quality Improvement

Research Interests: 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.

Heather Evans MD 

Mentor: Heather Evans, M.D. MS

Keywords: Clinical Research

Research Interests:  The focus of my research program is surgical infections including intra-abdominal infections, soft-tissue infections and healthcare associated infections. For the past 5 years, I have focused on leveraging patient generated health data to improve our detection, monitoring and reporting of surgical site infection (SSI). 

Yulia Gavrilova 

Mentor: Yulia Gavrilova, Ph.D. 

Keywords: Clinical Research

Research Interest: My research initiatives are being shaped currently as the burn behavioral health program is developing.

Ashley Hink MD MPH 

Mentor: Ashley Hink, M.D. MPH

Keywords: Public Health, Injury Prevention

Research Interests: I am working on a large multi-center study assessing risk factors for non-fatal firearm injuries, and will also be performing in depth analysis on patients treated at MUSC to identify leading modifiable risk factors and intervention opportunities. In addition, I will be performing outcomes evaluation of our hospital and community violence intervention programs. I have an additional project that will examine the incidence of adverse social determinants of health in the burn and trauma populations, their associations with poor outcomes and intervention opportunities. 

Cynthia Talley MD 

Mentor: Cindy Talley, M.D.

Keywords: Education

Research Interest: 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.

Dr Mallah 

Mike M. Mallah, M.D. 

Keywords: Clinical Research;Quality Improvement;Education;Implementation Science;Community Initiatives; Wellness

Research Interest: 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. 

Kate Engeldardt MD 

Mentor: Kathryn Engelhardt, M.D. MS

Keywords: Clinical Research; Outcomes Research; Implementation Science; Quality Improvement

Research Interests: 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 residents and 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.

Jeff Jones PhD 

Mentor: Jeff Jones, Ph.D.

Keywords: Basic Science

Research Interests: My laboratory studies extracellular matrix remodeling, the cell types involved, and the signaling, both biochemical and mechanical, that regulates these processes in pathological conditions such as thoracic aortic aneurysms and heart failure.

Arman Kilic MD 

Mentor: Arman Kilic, M.D.

Keywords: Clinical Research; AI; Risk Modeling; Outcomes Research

Research Interests: Dr. Kilic is the director of the Harvey and Marcia Schiller Surgical Innovation Center, which focuses on harnessing the massive quantities of healthcare data to develop predictive models that can be used for individualized patient care and for supporting clinical decision-making. The MUSC Cardiac Surgery Research Group in the Innovation Center is actively involved in research and educational efforts to help increase the understanding of improving clinical outcomes through the implementation of  AI ML and NLP.

Rupak Mukherjee PhD 

Mentor: Rupak Mukherjee, Ph.D.

Keywords: Basic Science

Research Interests: 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. 

  
Robert Sade MD 

Mentor: Robert Sade, M.D. 

Keywords: Ethics,  Basic Science, Clinical Research 

Research Interests: I have an interest in research ethics and specific interests in surgical ethics and transplant ethics. 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 in publications in the surgical or the ethics literature.

Sanford Zeigler MD 

Mentor: Sanford Zeigler, M.D.

Keywords: AI and ML, Clinical Research, Qulaity Improvement

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, and Myocardial protection

Tom Curran MD 

Mentor: Thomas Curran, M.D. MPH 

Keywords: Clinical Research

Research Interests: My research program focuses on optimizing the equitable delivery of guideline concordant care for colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease. These efforts are currently focused on improving utilization of extended venous thromboembolism prophylaxis following major cancer surgery through a multiple methods study including the use of an electronic medical record based clinical decision support system. We are concurrently using large data sets to better understand risk factors for venous thromboembolism and other adverse events after major cancer and inflammatory bowel disease surgery. There are excellent opportunities for publication and presentation for motivated students and residents. 

Colleen Donahue MD

Mentor: Colleen Donahue, M.D. 

Keywords:Education

Research Interests:  Historically, I have done clinical outcomes research in cost-effectiveness and educational research that I would like to continue.

Maggie L. Westfal, MD, MPH 

Mentor: Maggie Westfal, M.D. MPH 

Keywords: Clinical Research, Quality Improvement, Wellness

Research Interests: From a research perspective I am interested in pursuing research related to both early onset colorectal cancer as well as hereditary cancer syndromes. I also have an interested in combining my passions of wellbeing and colorectal surgery to investigate how mental health may affect a patient's gastrointestinal health- specifically in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and pelvic floor disorders. Additionally, I would like to assess how wellbeing may affect patient satisfaction in patients undergoing therapy for early onset colorectal cancer.  

Denise Carneiro Pla 

Mentor: Denise Carneiro-Pla, M.D.

Keywords: Clinical Research 

Research Interests: We do research in thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal. There are several projects to be develop by the candidates. This is for clinical research in endocrine surgery. We also have existing databases to help with the studies.

 
Douglas Cassidy, MD 

Mentor: Douglas Cassidy, M.D.

Keywords:Education

Research Interests: My research and education interests include establishing and running a simulation program, development of non-technical skills, interprofessional education and team training, resident autonomy, curriculum development, and medical student and resident education.

Mary Kate Bryant, MD, MSCR 

Mentor: Mary Kate Bryant, M.D.

Keywords:Clinical Research, Quality Improvement

Research Interests: My research interests include quality improvement and health services research on the bariatric population. Currently, I am working on clinical outcomes projects centering on adolescent and young adults undergoing bariatric surgery. I am also interested in how variations of surgical treatment affect patient outcomes and the impact of shared decision making between patients and surgeons on hernia and foregut surgery.

Hongjun Wang PhD 

Mentor: Hongjun Wang, Ph.D.

Keywords: Basic Science and Translational Research

Research Interests: Dr. Hongjun Wang's lab focuses on bench to bedside translational research related to the treatment of type 1 diabetes and chronic pancreatitis. The research spans from basic science studies to clinical trials aimed to understand the mechanism as well as the clinical application of various therapeutic approaches including cell therapy and others. The interdisciplinary research team members include scientists, physicians, surgeons, clinical trial coordinators, students and technicians. 

Aaron Cunningham, MD 

Mentor: Aaron Cunningham, M.D.

Keywords: Clinical Research, Quality Improvement, Basic/Translational Research

Research Interests: My research initiatives include: strategies for early identification and treatment of biliary atresia, investigating therapies to reduce harm from the management of primary and metastatic nephroblastoma, implementation and analysis of the use of viscoelastic assays to identify and treat hypocoaguability of pediatric trauma, and defining systematic barriers to improving pediatric surgical care through quality improvement.

Laura Hollinger MD 

Mentor: Laura Hollinger, M.D.

Keywords: Basic Science

Research Interests: My research focus is centered on patients with CDH (Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia) and also pediatric patients who require ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) support for a variety of reasons. I work with the Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Study Group, an international organization of physicians devoted to research dedicated to improving the quality of care and of life of survivors of CDH. The CDHSG maintains an international registry of >10,000patients with CDH, of which MUSC is now a contributing member. My work with the pediatric ECMO program is centered around quality of care of patients, center outcomes measures, and provider educational initiatives.

Aaron Lesher MD MSCR 

Mentor: Aaron Lesher, M.D., MSCR

Keywords: Clinical Research, Disparities

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.

Chris Streck MD 

Mentor: Christian Streck, M.D.

Keywords: Quality

Research Interests: The focus of my research is centered around improving the quality of care for pediatric trauma patients. We have a number of ongoing research initiatives, including projects in imaging for blunt abdominal trauma, massive transfusion practices, trauma triage, PTSD following trauma and intimate partner violence. In addition, I am involved in a pectus excavatum study, a study on high powered magnets and collaborate with my partners on a review of laparoscopic inguinal hernia outcomes.

Milton Armstrong, MD 

Mentor: Milton Armstrong, M.D.

Keywords: Clinical Outcomes Research

Research Interests: Clinical outcomes research in pediatric hand, reduction mammaplasty, and the use of Artificial intelligence in plastic surgery.

Kevin Delaney, MD 

Mentor: Kevin Delaney, M.D.

Keywords:Outcomes research

Research Interests:  Breast reconstruction outcomes studies

Gabriel Klein, MD 

Mentor: Gabriel Klein, M.D. 

Keywords: Clinical Outcomes Research

Research Interests: Outcomes based research for breast reconstruction, limb salvage, disparities of care, and complex reconstructions

Fernando Herrera, MD 

Mentor: Fernando Herrera, M.D. 

Keywords:Clinical Outcomes Research

Research Interests: Outcomes based research for breast reconstruction, limb salvage, disparities of care, and complex reconstructions

Isis Scomacao, MD 

Mentor: Isis Scomacao, M.D. 

Keywords:Clinical Outcomes Research

Research Interests:  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

Andrea Abbott MD

Mentor:  Andrea Abbott, M.D. MSCR

Research Interests: There is a new opportunity for a Certificate in Clinical Research. It 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

Kevin Hughes, MD

Mentor:  Kevin S. Hughes, MD

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. We are looking for researchers interested in becoming Domain Experts in cancer genetics to develop physician educational tools, patient facing tools, systematic reviews and knowledge discovery. Our products can be found at:

Gene-Cancer Visualizations using graph database technology

Gene-Cancer Penetrance Visualizations

Risk assessment and Clinical Decision Support

Nancy DeMore, MD

Mentor:  Nancy Klauber-DeMore, M.D.

Research Interest: My research focuses on tumor angiogenesis and immunotherapy. We have discovered novel targets for cancer, elucidated molecular mechanisms, and developed novel therapeutics.

Dave Mahvi

Mentor:   David Mahvi, M.D.

Research interest: My research interests include human-centered design and health system transformation to value-based care.

Shikhar Mehrotra PhD

Mentor:  Shikhar Mehrotra, Ph.D.

Research Interest: Dr. Mehrotra’s research group has focused on understanding T cell biology for immunotherapy of cancer. In order to generate tumor-reactive T cells that can persist longer, and lead to control of tumor growth, his group is testing several strategies. They previously described a novel strategy to demarcate effector T cells based on cell surface thiol (c-SH) expression into c-SHhi and c-SHlo T cells. They showed high anti-oxidant property is central to potent anti-tumor effector T cells, and directly correlates to CD62Lhi central memory, low glycolytic, and low mitochondrial membrane potential phenotype, all of which may be linked and contribute to better tumor control. His group has also shown that p53 regulates T cell glycolysis and altering p53 levels in T cells could be exploited to control tumor growth. More recently, his group has shown that targeting non-canonical ectonucleotidase CD38 on T cells could lead to a potent and long-term control of tumor mediated by anti-tumor T cells. His group is also working to combine strategies where targeting kinases with checkpoint blockade could enhance the effectiveness of ACT. A recent study from his group showed that a combination of PIM kinase inhibitor administered along with anti-PD1 and ACT leads to a robust tumor control.

 
Jeff Sutton MD

Mentor:  Jeffrey Sutton, M.D.

Research Interest: Historically, I have done clinical outcomes research in cost-effectiveness and educational research that I would like to continue.

Dave Taber 

Mentor: Dave Taber, PharmD

Keywords: Clinical Research; Quality Improvement

Research Interest: If you are a medical student or surgery resident interested in clinical trials, outcomes research, racial disparities, we have opportunities to actively participate in ongoing research endeavors.  Current projects include using mobile health technologies, racial disparities, and longitudinal outcome analyses or kidney transplantation. https://medicine.musc.edu/departments/surgery/research/transplant-immunobiology-research/david-taber

Keywords: Basic/Translational Research

Research Interest: 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.

Keywords: Basic/Translational Research

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.

Tom Brothers MD 

Mentor: Thomas Brothers, M.D.

Keywords: Clinical Research

Research Interest: My clinically-oriented research his primarily focused on lower extremity arterial disease, especially dealing with clinical decision making tools and predictive modeling, in an effort to maximum patient quality of life. Analysis is performed based on review of local patients as well as utilizing national patient databases.

Jean Marie Ruddy MD 

Mentor: Jean Marie Ruddy, M.D.

Keywords: Basic Science Research

Research Interest:  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 is supportive and we have success obtaining funding for the lab experience.

Adam Tanious MD 

Mentor: Adam Tanious, M.D. 

Keywords: Clinical Research; Human Centered Design; Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning; Education; Entrepreneurship

Research Interest: 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 

Mentor: Mathew Wooster, M.D.

Keywords: Quality, Education

Research Interest:  My interests are in technique descriptions, single center quality reviews, and case series in vascular surgery.

Research by Category

Arman Kilic, M.D., Cardiothoracic Surgery & Director of the Harvey and Marcia Schiller Surgical Innovation Center - A major focus of the center is in harnessing the massive quantities of healthcare data to develop predictive models that can be used for individualized patient care and for supporting clinical decision-making. Current Projects in AI and Machine Learning in the Surgical Innovation Center

Kevin Hughes, M.D. Director of the Hereditary Cancer Center / Cancer Genetics Research GroupOur 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. To learn more about our research: Cancer Genetics Research Group

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.

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. 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. 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.

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 - My research program focuses on optimizing the equitable delivery of guideline concordant care for colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease. These efforts are currently focused on improving utilization of extended venous thromboembolism prophylaxis following major cancer surgery through a multiple methods study including the use of an electronic medical record based clinical decision support system. We are concurrently using large data sets to better understand risk factors for venous thromboembolism and other adverse events after major cancer and inflammatory bowel disease surgery. There are excellent opportunities for publication and presentation for motivated students and residents.

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 If you are a medical student or surgery resident interested in clinical trials, outcomes research, racial disparities, we have opportunities to actively participate in ongoing research endeavors.  Current projects include using mobile health technologies, racial disparities, and longitudinal outcome analyses or kidney transplantation. https://medicine.musc.edu/departments/surgery/research/transplant-immunobiology-research/david-taber

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.

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).

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

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., MSMy 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.

David Taber, Pharm.D., MS Transplant Surgery --If you are a medical student or surgery resident interested in clinical trials, outcomes research, racial disparities, we have opportunities to actively participate in ongoing research endeavors.  Current projects include using mobile health technologies, racial disparities, and longitudinal outcome analyses or kidney transplantation. https://medicine.musc.edu/departments/surgery/research/transplant-immunobiology-research/david-taber

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.

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

David Taber, Pharm.D., MS Transplant Surgery -- If you are a medical student or surgery resident interested in clinical trials, outcomes research, racial disparities, we have opportunities to actively participate in ongoing research endeavors.  Current projects include using mobile health technologies, racial disparities, and longitudinal outcome analyses or kidney transplantation. https://medicine.musc.edu/departments/surgery/research/transplant-immunobiology-research/david-taber

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.

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

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