Research & Academic Development
Developing the Next Generation of Academic Surgeons
Every UVA Surgery resident is expected and encouraged to participate in research. Research at UVA is not simply protected time. It is a structured educational program designed to develop academic surgeons who ask important questions, generate new knowledge, and improve the care of future patients.
Academic Development Roadmap
Explore Opportunities.
Interns receive an introduction to the department’s research programs and use a dedicated research block to meet investigators, visit research teams, learn about available projects, and begin identifying potential mentors.
– Explore laboratories and research programs
– Meet potential faculty mentors
– Complete required research ethics training
– Identify preferred research areas and mentors
– Discuss degree or advanced-training interests
Explore Faculty Research
Our faculty conduct innovative research across diverse fields, giving residents the opportunity to find research that matches their interests.
Build a Plan.
A second research block is used to finalize the mentor team, define the research question, and create a comprehensive Resident Research Proposal and Development Plan. This plan becomes the roadmap for the resident’s two research years.
– Refine the research question and specific aims
– Complete a focused literature review
– Create an NIH-style research strategy
– Set a timeline for approvals, data, grants, and publications
Launch the Project and Build Core Research Skills.
The first protected year begins with a Resident Research Boot Camp, followed by close mentor engagement, formal progress reviews, recurring research-in-progress meetings, and active participation in the department’s scholarly community.
– Meet with the primary mentor every 1–2 weeks
– Maintain an Individual Development Plan
– Submit abstracts and present work for peer feedback
– Participate in Resident Research Day
Produce Scholarship and Prepare for the Next Stage.
Residents advance toward independent thinking and scholarly output, completing analyses, manuscripts, national presentations, and grant-writing activities while developing a plan to continue research during senior clinical training and beyond.
– Present at regional and national meetings
– Lead or help organize Resident Research Day
– Outline a future grant or next-stage project
– Complete final progress review and transition plan
Integrate Scholarship with Advanced Clinical Training.
As residents return to full-time clinical training, they are encouraged to maintain mentor relationships, complete ongoing publications, present findings, and continue developing the academic focus they will carry into fellowship and faculty careers.
A Program Designed for Resident Success
Our structured research program combines dedicated time, expert mentorship, hands-on training, and world-class resources to support residents at every stage of their academic development.
Research Instruction
Dedicated teaching blocks and “Research Boot Camp” prepare residents with skills in study design, data analysis, grant and manuscript writing, presentation, and more.
Protected Research Time
A minimum of two protected research years provides the time and structure to pursue meaningful research while developing as an academic surgeon.
Mentorship
Residents are supported by a dedicated faculty mentorship team, which coordinates regular research-in-progress meetings and provides individualized career guidance throughout the research years.
Scholarly Development
Residents present their work locally and nationally, gain organizational leadership experience, and receive support for professional development opportunities.
Research Infrastructure
Residents have access to UVA’s world-class research infrastructure including specialized facilities and clinical databases to translate scientific discoveries into improved patient care.
Collaborative Culture
Residents collaborate in a collegial, supportive environment with investigators across the University, providing access to broad expertise and multidisciplinary research teams.
Research Boot Camp
Residents Attending a Research Bootcamp Q&A Session
Every resident entering dedicated research time begins with Resident Research Boot Camp—a multi-day immersive program designed to build the skills needed for a successful career in academic surgery.
Through interactive sessions led by UVA faculty and research experts, residents gain practical experience in grant writing, peer review, IRB navigation, biostatistics, data mining, artificial intelligence applications, scientific presentations, and graphical abstract design. The curriculum provides a strong foundation for launching productive, high-impact research.
Research Opportunities
Research Areas
- Basic & Translational Science
- Clinical & Outcomes Research
- Quality & Patient Safety
- AI/Data Science
- Education
- Global Surgery
- Clinical Trials
Structured Programs
- NIH T32 Programs
- Quality & Patient Safety Track
- **NEW** Surgeon-Scientist Training Pathway
Advanced Degrees & Coursework
- Master of Science (MS)
- Master of Public Health (MPH)
- Certificates
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
**NEW** Surgeon-Scientist Training Pathway
UVA is proud to introduce our new Surgeon-Scientist Training Pathway. While all UVA Surgery residents participate in the department’s structured academic development curriculum, this pathway is designed for applicants already committed to a career in academic surgery and offers a dedicated entry through a separate match process.
