Developing Independent Surgical Scientists
Given their unique clinical experience, surgeons have the potential to significantly impact our understanding of pathogenesis and the development of effective therapeutics and novel surgical tools. Therefore, the UAMS Department of Surgery and the Division of Surgical Research strongly believe in providing our surgical residents with basic science research training to allow them to develop into future independent surgical scientists. Through the Basic Science Research Fellowship Program, residents will be immersed in scientific discovery where they will not only learn critical research skills but also be exposed to the larger scientific community and the latest cutting-edge research. At the end of the fellowship, the resident will be equipped with the proper knowledge to aid them in achieving their own independent research goals.
As part of this process, the fellow is expected to:
- Master a variety of techniques and methodologies.
- Develop skills in forming testable hypotheses.
- Learn to troubleshoot experiments, design proper controls, and interpret data.
- Gain skills in scientific writing and presentations to:
- Present findings at national meetings.
- Publish in peer-reviewed journals.
- Obtain independent funding.
“Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.”
Marie Curie
