Research

Research in Residency (Video)

Research

Medical research at the University of Virginia is world class and fosters a hyper-collaborative environment through the proximity of the Health System, the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and the College of Arts and Sciences that allows our department’s research to thrive. As investigators, we seek not only to advance scientifically-important knowledge, but to translate that information into patient-oriented solutions that matter. We have dedicated interrelated clinical and research faculty members who maintain a diverse multi-disciplinary portfolio of research interests that includes strengths in basic and translational science as well as clinical research.

Overview

BASIC SCIENCE AND TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH:

Plastic Surgery is a broad specialty that encompasses microsurgery, hand surgery, aesthetic and craniofacial surgery. With clinical expertise in each of these fields, The Plastic Surgery Research Laboratory at the University of Virginia focuses on the development and utilization of pre-clinical models to support the investigation of therapeutic interventions and their clinical outcomes. Our culture values and rewards collaboration, resourcefulness, and the translation of basic science advances to achieve clinical impact and patient-centered outcomes. As such, we have designed robust collaborations with the Clinical Departments of Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Otolaryngology, and Dermatology as well as the Basic Science Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Chemistry, and Materials Science among others. Our laboratory promotes multi-disciplinary solutions to research biomaterial development and host integration, wound healing and monitoring, development of sophisticated modeling for improved surgical planning, and less-invasive approaches to effective treatments.

CLINICAL RESEARCH:

The complex nature of cases seen by Plastic Surgeons leads to the development of innovative procedures, devices, and materials to effectively treat patients. As part of our continual effort to improve patient outcomes, clinical data is generated and analyzed in order to validate best practices for the application of these procedures, devices, and materials. The results are generated through a combination of prospective and retrospective studies.

THE NETTIE MARIE JONES MICROSURGERY LABORATORY:

The Nettie Marie Jones Microsurgical Center was founded in 1976 by a grant from the benefactor. This lab is one of the oldest continuously running microsurgery labs in the country. Home of 4 microsurgical scopes, the Center provides dedicated instruction in microsurgery for residents, fellows, and faculty, including a one-week course of intense instruction in the techniques of dissection and repair of arteries, veins and nerves.

Faculty

Jonathan S. Black, M.D.
Dr. Black’s research interests include craniofacial distraction, 3D printed models and their use in craniofacial surgery and education, and plasticity of bone and cartilage. Particular areas of interest include craniofacial surgery, pediatric plastic surgery, international medicine, and partnerships with engineering to solve surgical problems.

For a listing of Dr. Black’s publications, please refer to: PubMed

Brittany J. Behar, M.D.
Dr. Behar’s research interests include outcomes in hand surgery including Dupuytren’s contractures, development of teaching tools for resident and fellow learning in hand surgery as well as development of hand surgery skills through global surgical outreach.

For a listing of Dr. Behar’s publications, please refer to: PubMed

Christopher A. Campbell, M.D.
Dr. Campbell’s research interests include patient reported and clinical outcomes after breast reconstruction, bio-integration of synthetic and biologic constructs for use in regenerative medicine, fat-derived stem cell research, evaluation of monitoring systems for use after microsurgical reconstruction, patient education and satisfaction after breast reconstruction.

For a listing of Dr. Campbell’s publications, please refer to: PubMed

Patrick Cottler, Ph. D., psc5d@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu
Dr. Cottler is Assistant Professor of Research in Plastic Surgery, with a joint appointment in the Department of Biomedical Engineering. As a Biomedical Engineering by training, and over the past 20 years, he has gained experience in developing and evaluating wound healing technologies, testing in appropriate laboratory and animal models, and published relevant results. Prior to returning to academia, Dr. Cottler worked in the biotechnology industry for 15 years on several early stage wound healing technologies. He has specific expertise in the development and use of animal models of wound healing in the evaluation devices, biomaterials, and techniques. Currently, he directs the applied research efforts in the Plastic Surgery Research Laboratory. His background in biomedical engineering provides the expertise to link the technology to the clinical application.

For a listing of Dr. Cottler’s publications, please refer to: PubMed

Brent R. DeGeorge Jr., M.D., Ph.D.
Dr. DeGeorge’s research interests include cannabinoid biology for the management of acute and chronic pain, engineering solutions for joint replacement and repair, articular cartilage repair and regeneration techniques, patient-reported outcomes research and clinical trials, and allograft tendon, cartilage, and dermis bio-integration.

For a listing of Dr. DeGeorge’s publications, please refer to: PubMed

John T. Stranix, M.D.
Dr. Stranix’s research efforts revolve around optimizing reconstructive surgical outcomes, improving postoperative patient satisfaction, and increasing access to reconstructive services among underserved populations. Particular areas of interest include breast cancer reconstruction, traumatic limb salvage, gender confirming surgery, and physiologic lymphedema procedures.

For a listing of Dr. Stranix’s publications, please refer to: PubMed

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