Resident Research FAQs

The research conducted here entails either basic, laboratory research or clinical research. Most of the basic research entails animal models and/or in vitro cell culture studies. We also have a strong molecular & cell biology component to our research, and various cell biology techniques are utilized such as flow cytometry, ELISA, microscopy, immunohistochemistry, histology, etc. Training is available to teach Residents all of these techniques.

Some Research Residents focus entirely on clinical studies (no bench work). Research Residents who are doing basic, lab research also usually have multiple other clinical projects/chart reviews/book chapters that they are working on concurrently. Thus, the total number of concurrent projects can range from 2-5. Hence, we have a wide mix of different types of research.

We are a productive group, and most Residents come out of the lab with multiple publications (ranging from 5-10 or more) including both clinical and basic research publications.

All Residents are expected to submit and present their research at local, regional or national conferences. These presentations are either in oral or poster form. Residents usually attend 2-3 conferences per year. Surgical meetings include: American Association for Thoracic Surgery, International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation, Western Thoracic Surgical Association, Society of Thoracic Surgeons, Southern Thoracic Surgical Association, and American Thoracic Society.

Research residents work 100% on research (no clinical responsibilities) during their 2 years of training. Daily lab hours generally range from 8.00am – 5pm. However, the hours are  flexible as long as progress is made. The schedule also depends on the Principle Investigator and the specific models used in the lab. Preparation time and experimental time varies, but usually do not go beyond a reasonable length.

Another part of the lab experience is the teaching responsibilities that Residents are involved in. This includes, but is not limited to, anatomy lab demonstratorship, suture workshop, tissue handling classes, didactic medical student teaching sessions, etc. In addition to this, it is the Research Resident’s responsibility to administer prospective residency, lab, and fellowship applicants. Research Residents are also responsible for hosting visiting professors which includes organizing formal presentations of our research.

Weekly lab meetings involve all lab personnel including faculty investigators, residents, staff, and students. This is where Residents can discuss their research and results and receive guidance and input from everyone at the meeting. In addition, a monthly lunch seminar is held where all active Research Residents come together in a conference room to listen to two presentations: one is a “research-in-progress” presentation by a resident and the other is a “career skills” presentation by a faculty member.