Research

The Department of Surgery is dedicated to providing an enriching and vibrant environment that allows faculty and trainees to pursue innovative discoveries that impact surgical patients. We work diligently to provide evidence-based and innovative patient care while training tomorrow’s surgeons in the most cutting-edge surgical techniques. These priorities mandate an ongoing investment in cutting-edge research within the Department of Surgery.

Strong Partners and Robust Collaboration

A major strength of IU School of Medicine is the robust collaboration between partner institutions within the state, both in clinical and translational research. Institutions such as Purdue and Notre Dame join IU within the Indiana Consortium for Analytical Sciences and Engineering as well as the Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute (CTSI). These collaborations allow surgical faculty to capitalize on all aspects of research including device design and the pursuit of clinical trials.

trainees practice surgical skills in a simulation

Surgical Outcomes and Quality Improvement Center

Surgical Outcomes & Quality Improvement Center (SOQIC), now based in Indiana, is a collaborative research hub comprised of over 25 faculty, fellows and staff dedicated to enhancing health care quality locally, regionally and nationally. Our research spans all surgical specialties and areas of medicine, with a particular focus on general surgery, surgical oncology, trauma/critical care, vascular surgery and multidisciplinary oncology care. With a strong emphasis on education, we offer robust training programs for medical students, surgical residents and postdoctoral fellows supported by federally funded institutional grants. Having secured over $40 million in funding, our work is frequently featured in esteemed journals like JAMA and NEJM, and we've trained over 50 resident researchers in the past 15 years.

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GHREST

The Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Research Education of Surgical Trainees (GHREST) program at Indiana University School of Medicine offers a unique, multidisciplinary two-year research training experience. Designed to cultivate the next generation of surgeon-scientists, GHREST features two specialized tracks: Health Services and Outcomes Research (HSOR) and Basic Science and Translational (BTS) Research.

Learn more about how GHREST can shape your future in surgical research.

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Industry Research and Trials

The Indiana University School of Medicine Department of Surgery conducts groundbreaking research and industry trials on various scientific, medical and health care topics. Our research centers and partner sites foster innovation, collaboration and a wide range of studies, including basic, clinical, translational research and industry trials. With over 500,000 square feet of research space across multiple buildings on the Indianapolis campus and other statewide campuses, our faculty, staff and students are driving discoveries and advancements.

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Resident Research Years

IU School of Medicine's Department of Surgery prioritizes professional growth and research in clinical and translational sciences, global health and surgical education. Through research, we drive evidence-based solutions to clinical challenges. Our surgery residents can opt for a research fellowship lasting a minimum of two years, with opportunities to pursue advanced degrees like a Master's in Clinical Science or Biostatistics, all covered by IU. Those joining the Global Health Research Fellowship obtain a Master's in Public Health (MPH) at no cost. For the Surgical Education Research Fellowship, residents complete a Master of Health Professions Education (MHPE) program online through the University of Illinois-Chicago, with a stipend of up to $40,000 and some costs offset by elective courses at IU School of Medicine.

Medical Student Research

Medical Student Research is a vital component of the research culture within the Department of Surgery. As such, the Department of Surgery participates in the Indiana University Medical Student Program for Research and Scholarship (IMPRS). This is an eight week mechanism for medical students to gain research and scholarly experiences during the summer break between the first and second years of medical school. Students are provided a small stipend and funds to support their research. At the conclusion of the experience, students participate in a school wide poster session to present their work. Selected individuals with exemplary progress are invited to provide an oral presentation for consideration of a prize.

Research Facilities

Excellent core facilities, including proteomics, microarray, animal CT, PET, MRI imaging, molecular imaging, knock-out/transgenic animal, pathology, immunohistochemistry and vector are accessible to laboratories on campus to facilitate medical research. The Department of Surgery currently has premium laboratory space in the Medical Science Building and the new Research 3 Building. Additional research space for the Department of Surgery exists in the Medical Research and Library Building (IB) that contains two large animate operating rooms dedicated to the Department of Surgery and houses the Department of Surgery Center for Advanced Surgical Technology.

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Troy A. Markel, MD

Professor of Surgery and Vice Chair, Department of Surgery-Research

To learn more about conducting industry research and trials, please email Troy Markel, MD.

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