Surgical Research

The Department of Surgery's Division of Surgical Research is unique in many ways.  Unlike a lot of research and clinical programs that operate independently of one another, there is a close coordination between the basic science and clinical programs allowing researchers and physicians to work closely together to investigate and attempt to solve clinical problems.  Additionally, Residents interested in basic and clinical research are given the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of science, from digesting the literature to designing experiments in an environment in which they are mentored on a one-on-one basis.  Once applicants are accepted into the research program, they have the opportunity to choose from a set of departmental investigators to mentor them throughout their training.

The Burn and Shock Trauma Institute, within the Division of Surgical Research is one of just a handful of institutes of its kind in the nation. It is renowned for the expertise of its investigators and their devotion to the study of traumatic injury. Applicants to this program include not only our own surgical residents, but, also residents from outside institutions. We have been fortunate to recruit some of the best and brightest scientific minds to our Institute because of our reputation as a leader in scientific training and research in the field of trauma, burns, and inflammation. The ability to draw from such a selective pool of young talented surgeons hinges on maintaining a level of funding necessary to conduct the intensive research that has made Loyola a leader.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has historically been the principal benefactor for research grant funding. Because of global and national hardships (man-made and natural), this traditional funding has diminished in recent years. As a result the application process for available funds has become extremely competitive.

The road research has taken in recent years is geared more toward treating diseases as opposed to purely empirical research. This is referred to as the "bed-bench-bed" form of research. Very simply put, it refers to defining a patient's condition, going back to the lab, conducting research, and then applying those findings at the bedside.