Drexel University College of Medicine

Research is an important mission of the Department of Surgery at Drexel University College of Medicine. Objectives for research include the following:

• Develop new tools to improve the performance of surgery
• Expand methods to train residents in the technical practice of surgery
• Foster interdisciplinary collaborations
• Encourage participation in research activities by residents and medical students

Research efforts in the department focus particularly on interdisciplinary and synergistic activities with colleagues throughout Drexel University. Exciting research projects integrate technical principles from disciplines outside the life sciences. This fosters cutting-edge research to revolutionize the technical practice of surgery. As well, many projects entail broader implications, portending to improve overall prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. Drexel University’s top-notch programs in engineering and information science are the two primary sources of interdisciplinary efforts among surgery faculty.

Residents and medical students are encouraged to participate in ongoing research projects with faculty members. As well, physicians completing a surgical residency are offered the opportunity to spend dedicated time, apart from residency, to conduct research. Most residents spend two years in a laboratory setting as research fellows.

The diverse interests and expertise of surgical faculty members facilitate a broad array of ongoing research endeavors. Projects in the department span the research spectrum, and include:

• Bench and Basic Science
• Translational Research
• Clinical Research
• Community Health Education and Outreach
• Surgical Infections Research

Research activity in the Department of Surgery is coordinated by Ari D. Brooks, M.D.