News
February 2010
Research Training Opportunity at the University of Virginia
The University of Virginia Department of Surgery is seeking qualified applicants for an NIH-sponsored training grant position (T32 mechanism) focusing on clinical or translational research in surgical infectious diseases and/or transplantation starting in July 2010. Applicants must hold a medical degree (MD or DO), have completed at least two years of an accredited surgical residency, and have the support of their sponsoring department.
Since one of the goals of the program is to increase the diversity of academic surgeons, members of historically underrepresented minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. Coursework through the University of Virginia Department of Public Health Sciences is required, and at least one year of the two-year training period must be spent in Charlottesville, Virginia. Standard NIH stipends and regulations apply.
Inquiries can be directed to the Program Director, Robert G. Sawyer, MD, FACS, at rws2k@virginia.edu.
January 2010
Diversity Editorial
“One of life’s most persistent questions is, what are you doing for others” MLK, Jr.
I have had the privilege of traveling to Haiti as part of a medical mission group, “Eugene’s Team” every year in May. Through participation in this amazing organization, I have learned of the medical and social needs of Haiti and the wonderfulness of the Haitian people. Therefore, this latest tragedy hit very close to home.
My belief that this tragedy could in the long run be a benefit to the Haitian people seems incomprehensible, is rooted in my personal experiences in Haiti and “Eugene’s Team”.
I met Dr Eugene Renoir Eugene when I was recruiting a vascular surgeon who could handle the needs of a public hospital, a level one trauma center, and be a contributing member of an academic faculty. Because he had no academic faculty experience I was hesitant to hire him, but thank providence another faculty member convinced me to hire him. It was indeed a life changing event in my life.
As Dr Eugene became a valued member of my clinical and academic faculty, I became aware of his incredible story and he became a friend. Eugene was born in Milot, Haiti a little town in northern Haiti, he was able to attend school in the largest city in the area, Caphaitian, get to the US and end up a vascular surgeon. While a surgical resident, Eugene started a medical mission to his home of Milot, which continues as “Eugene’s Team” with a medical mission to Milot every May. Eugene, who was a nonsmoker developed lung cancer at the age of 40 and succumbed to it in 2005. I had the honor of accompanying him on his last trip to Haiti (2 months before his death). During that trip he taught and showed me the true meaning of love and courage. As we had finished another difficult day of surgery in an operating room with out air-conditioning, no blood bank, limited lab, only a portable x-ray, and more patients than we could possible treat, we talked in the dark. We were in the dark because the petrol to run the generator was needed for the hospital.
I asked him why was he spending the last moments of his life in miserable conditions, making an infinitesimal difference. His response has and will always remain with me. He looked at me and gave me his wonderful smile and said; every moment we are on this planet should be about helping someone else, it should not matter if we are feeling good that day or we are close to death, life is about what you leave behind. That child we operated on today may grow up to save this country. What I leave behind is you!
Wm. Lynn Weaver, MD, FACS
December 2009
Trauma and Inflammation Research Training Fellowship
The Trauma and Inflammation Research Training Fellowship, based in the Division of Surgical Research, Department of Surgery, Brown Alpert Medical School and Rhode Island Hospital, is an interdepartmental program directed at mentoring the development of the clinician-scientist dedicated to advancing the understanding of the pathophysiology of trauma-related disease.
The need for individuals who can bridge the gap from bench-to-bedside remains great since, despite the best efforts of contemporary medicine, trauma-related disease continues to present a substantial challenge to basic scientists and clinicians dedicated to its treatment. To meet this need we have created an exceptional fellowship drawing from the rich expertise of research faculty exploring problems in trauma, shock and inflammation, while intermingling the clinician’s experience in the intensive care unit.
The Program’s goal is to identify, recruit, and train the next generation of trauma scientists with particular emphasis on retaining MDs in academic trauma medicine careers. Formal training in research involves the acquisition of the technical, intellectual, philosophical and ethical habits and abilities of the scientist. The most important function of the program is the development of these traits in our trainees. Faculty and their respective laboratories from the Departments of Surgery; Neurosurgery; Medicine; Molecular Microbiology and Immunology; Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry; and Pathology at Alpert Medical School afford the trainees abundant opportunities to select areas for research. The Level 1 Trauma and Burn Centers at Rhode Island Hospital provide clinical correlates for basic research. Each year, trainees are selected from resident applicants from within any branch of Surgery or Medicine and/or a recently graduated PhD.
Applicants from underrepresented minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. The training program lasts two years. The curriculum will include required courses in Biostatistics, Responsible Conduct of Research, and Scientific/Grant Writing, as well as elective courses tailored to the specific needs of the trainees. Importantly, a faculty mentor, along with an Advisory Group modeled after a PhD thesis committee and including a clinician with experience in trauma care, will provide direction, support and supervision, as well as a clinical outlook on research projects. Trainees will have no clinical responsibilities during the fellowship period. The proposed comprehensive training program is designed to provide trainees with the technical and intellectual tools necessary to pursue independent academic careers in research areas related to trauma and inflammation.
For further information please contact
Dr. Jorge E. Albina
Director, Trauma & Inflammation Research Training Program
Division of Surgical Research, NAB 216
Rhode Island Hospital
593 Eddy Street
Providence, RI 02903
Tel: 401-444-4296
Fax 401-444-8052
Inflammation@lifespan.org
http://bms.brown.edu/surgery/research
December 2009
NRSA Fellowship in Trauma And Inflammation Research, July 2010
NSRA fellowships are available for research training in the areas of trauma, burn, surgical critical care and inflammation. Trainees will pursue a two-year research program in the laboratory of an established basic and clinical research scientist, supplemented with training in advanced biostatistics and bioethics courses.
The trainees will be required to carry out an independent research project in the laboratory of an accomplished basic scientist experienced in physiology, pathology, microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, or epidemiology with guidance provided by a clinical mentor in trauma, burns or surgical clinical care. The faculty is drawn from established investigators in the medical school. Current areas of research interest include cardiovascular biology, immunology, trauma, hemorrhage, inflammation, sepsis, gender dimorphism, apoptosis, and traumatic brain injury. This training program is designed to provide research training for clinicians and basic scientists who are interested in pursuing academic careers in trauma and inflammation-related disciplines.
Selection of trainees is based on the demonstrated ability of the candidate and his/her career choice in academic medicine. Applicants must be United States citizens or permanent residents and have completed their M.D., Ph.D. or DVM. The M.D. candidates must have at least two years of post-doctoral experience (Residency training). Those candidates pursuing a Fellowship during their clinical training program must provide evidence that they will be accepted back into that clinical program upon completion of this Fellowship training. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit curriculum vitae, three letters of recommendation and a personal statement detailing their career interests.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham is an equal opportunity employer and applications from qualified under-represented minorities and women are strongly encouraged. The Program Directors, Basic Science and Clinical Science coordinators and selected faculty members will interview the finalist candidates and the Executive Committee will select the trainees.
SUPPORT:
Includes stipend, benefits, tuition for courses at School of Medicine, travel funds, and appointment at the School of Medicine as a Post-Doctoral Fellow
CONTACT:
Irshad H. Chaudry, Ph.D.
Professor and Director
Center for Surgical Research
Volker Hall G094
University of Alabama at Birmingham
1670 University Boulevard
Birmingham, Alabama 35294-0019
Phone (205) 975-2195
Fax (205) 975-9719
E-mail bobbi.smith@ccc.uab.edu
APPLICATION DEADLINE: January 11, 2010 for the July 01, 2010 position
November 2009
T32 Vascular Surgery Scientist Training Program
The Division of Vascular Surgery at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine has recently received a Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Institutional Research Training Grant (T32) to fund the Vascular Surgery Scientist Training Program (VSSTP). The VSSTP is a two-year mentored research training experience for residents in general and vascular surgery (PGY-3 and -4). The T32 mechanism provides a stipend, tuition, fees for coursework, travel funds, and health insurance.
The primary goal of the VSSTP is to increase the number of clinician scientists interested in vascular disease. The key to this program is an individualized training plan developed by the mentor and trainee. The unique multidisciplinary environment at Northwestern provides trainees with opportunities to work with mentors from many different disciplines. Trainees may select one of several tracks of study or a combination of tracks that meets their ultimate research training objectives and interests, including:
- Vascular biology with a basic science emphasis,
- Clinical research including outcomes studies,
- Biomedical devices, or
- An integrated program designed by the trainee and his/her mentors.
All trainees will also complete a core curriculum consisting of courses in biostatistics, epidemiology, responsible conduct for research, ethical issues in clinical research, and writing for publication. Trainees will be able to take additional courses in their area of focus. If interested, trainees may also complete the requirements for the Master of Science in Clinical Investigation degree program.
The strength of this program lies in its breadth and flexibility. The goal is to match the research interest of the trainee to mentors, coursework, seminars, meetings, and a research plan that will collectively provide the experience necessary to launch a successful career as a physician scientist.
The program has two positions to be filled each year (one PGY-3 and one PGY-4). Candidates will hold either an M.D. or D. O. degree and will have completed at least two years of clinical training prior to enrolling in the program. Candidates must be U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals, or have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence at the time of appointment. Minorities and women are encouraged to apply.
Applicants will submit a written application along with two letters of recommendation.
For more information, go to http://www.surgery.northwestern.edu/dos-divprog/vascular/education/t32/ or contact:
William H. Pearce, M.D.
Chief, Division of Vascular Surgery
Northwestern University
Feinberg School of Medicine
676 N. St. Clair, #650
Chicago, IL 60611
312/926-7775
jgoldste@nmh.org
October 2009
Harvard-Longwood Research Training in Vascular Surgery for July 2010
RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS in VASCULAR SURGERY AT HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL
Available 1 July, 2010
Fellowships are available for research training in molecular and cell biology, biomechanics, coagulation and thrombosis, angiogenesis and clinical outcomes, with a focus on clinically relevant problems, such as atherogenesis, intimal hyperplasia, prosthetic/host interactions and thrombosis. Trainees will pursue a program of intense research activity supplemented with course work in research design, ethics, statistics, and evaluation of published research. This training program, Harvard-Longwood Research Training in Vascular Surgery, is designed to provide two years of intense basic research training in vascular surgery for academic clinicians. The training program addresses the absence of adequate research training for vascular surgeons as it applies to specific areas of clinical disease.
Trainees carry out their research projects under the guidance of a faculty advisor, selected from 20 renowned vascular researchers based at four Harvard Medical School hospitals: the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Brigham and Women's, Children's Hospital (Boston), and the Joslin Diabetes Institute, as well as The Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Laboratory training is supplemented by graduate level training at Harvard Medical School and Harvard's Faculty of Arts and Sciences, with course selection complementing laboratory endeavors. Upon completion of the program, trainees will be capable of independent research and will possess the scientific and research background needed to obtain competitive peer-reviewed grants.
Selection of trainees is based on candidates' demonstrated ability and career choice of academic practice. Applicants should be United States citizens or permanent residents (green card holders) who are resident physicians, and have completed either two or three years of clinical post-doctoral experience (surgical residency) or five years of clinical training (i.e. are board eligible). Only those applicants with career goals in academic surgery, with a keen interest in basic research in vascular surgery, will be compatible. Candidates pursuing a fellowship during a program of clinical training must provide evidence that they will be accepted back into that program upon completion of their research training. Trainees in the proposed program will not be involved in any clinical activities unless research related.
- Interested applicants are encouraged to apply online at: www.LongwoodVascularSurgery.com/training
In addition, each applicant must submit a medical school transcript, curriculum vitae, three letters of recommendation, and a personal statement detailing their interest in research, as well as long-range goals for consideration. Selection is based on merit only, without bias to gender, race, color, or ethnic origin. The Executive Committee will consider completed applications for admission; prior to a final selection, each finalist candidate will be interviewed by two of the Committee's members, including the faculty member most likely to be the candidate's principal advisor.
SUPPORT: Includes NIH Stipend, benefits, courses at HMS, travel funds, and academic appointment at Harvard Medical School as a Research Fellow. Upon acceptance, trainees may wish to apply to NIH Loan Repayment Program (www.lrp.nih.gov).
CONTACT:
LEENA PRADHAN, PH.D.
Vascular Surgery Research
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
330 Brookline Ave. Room 805
Boston, MA 02215
E-mail: lpradhan@bidmc.harvard.edu
Phone: (617) 667-0096
Fax: (617) 975-5300
PROGRAM DIRECTOR:
FRANK W. LOGERFO, M.D.
Distinguished William V. McDermott Professor of Surgery,
Harvard Medical School
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
110 Francis Street
Boston, MA 02215
E-mail: flogerfo@bidmc.harvard.edu
DEADLINE: 1 January 2010
Participating Faculty
(Faculty Member, Research Area, and Department/Institution)
Program Director:
Frank W. LoGerfo, M.D., Vascular grafts; intimal hyperplasia, Surgery/BIDMC
Faculty:
Patricia A. D'Amore, Ph.D., Development and growth control in the vasculature, Pathology/SERI
Pedro J. del Nido, M.D., Ischemic contractile dysfunction and apoptotic pathway activation, Surgery/CHB
Christiane Ferran, M.D., Ph.D., Modulation of endothelial cell activation by the anti-apoptic gene A20; protection of the vessel wall from atherosclerosis using the cytoprotective gene A20, Surgery/BIDMC
Michael A. Gimbrone, Jr., M.D., Endothelium-dependent mechanisms in vascular disease, Pathology/BWH
Per-Olof Hasselgren, M.D., Ph.D., Molecular mechanisms of sepsis in surgery, Surgery/BIDMC
Seth Karp, M.D., Molecular mechanism of liver development and regeneration, Surgery/BIDMC
George L. King, M.D., Vascular dysfunction in diabetes mellitus, Medicine/Joslin
Bruce Landon, M.D., M.B.A., Development of a theoretical model to explain the potential impact of health care organizations on the quality of patient care, Health Care Policy/HMS & Medicine/BIDMC
Robert S. Langer, D.Sc., Interface of biotechnology and materials science, Chemical & Biomed. Eng./CHBV
James Lederer, PhD, Immune system during injury and trauma, Surgery/BWH
Richard N. Mitchell, M.D., Ph.D., Immune mediated transplant arteriopathy, Pathology/BWH
James P. Morgan, M.D., Ph.D., Stem cells in myocardial regeneration, Cardiology/BIDMC
Richard C. Mulligan, Ph.D., Gene transfection of vascular cells, Medicine/Harvard Institute of Human Genetics & CHB
Louis Nguyen, M.D., M.B.A., M.P.H., Clinical outcomes and economic analysis research,Surgery/BWH
J. Peter Oettgen, M.D., Intracellular signaling/transcription factors, Cardiology/BIDMC
Keith Ozaki, M.D., Inflammation and hemodynamic adaptation, Surgery/BWH
Marc Schermerhorn, M.D., Clinical outcomes research, Surgery/BIDMC
___________________________________________________________
BIDMC Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
BWH Brigham & Women's Hospital
CHB Children's Hospital Boston
HMS Harvard Medical School
Joslin Joslin Diabetes Center
MGH Massachusetts General Hospital
MIT Massachusetts Institute of Technology
SERI Schepens Eye Research Institute
July 2009
Claude H. Organ, Jr., M.D., F.A.C.S. Traveling Fellowship Award
Traveling Fellowship Award
“Awarded to an Outstanding Young Surgeon to attend an educational meeting or institution of his or her choice.”
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS –
Please have applicants submit curriculum vitae and letter of interest/intent for consideration with nomination letter
SUBMIT BY SEPTEMBER 1, 2009
Attention:
Robert S. D. Higgins, MD, MSHA
Robert_Higgins@rush.edu
Wm Lynn Weaver, MD
Wweaver07@gmail.com
Kimberly Joseph, M.D.
kjtrauma@yahoo.com
Judy Keel, AWS
Jkeel@ASIHQ.com
Annesley Copeland
ajcopeland@copelandco.com
This award to honor Dr. Claude H. Organ, Jr. through the American College of Surgeons Foundation will be presented during the ACS meeting October 2009
August 2008
ACS surgical workforce crisis in Africa: A call to action
It's hard to imagine a more pressing issue facing the global surgical community than ensuring the training and education of an adequate and equitably distributed surgical workforce. Currently, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that there is a global shortage of 4.3 health workers, with an estimated shortage of 1 million in Africa alone....
By Doruk Ozediz, MD, MSc; Robert Rivielo, MD, MPH; Selwyn O. Rogers, MD, MPH, FACS.
Volume 93, Number 8, Bulletin of the American College of Surgeons