Baylor’s Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery recently hosted its second annual Residents’ Research Day. This forum focuses on the collaborative research being done by Baylor’s surgery residents, and the importance of their work.

Dr. Klotman addresses Resident Research Day

Dr. Timothy Pawlik, professor of surgery and oncology and director of the Johns Hopkins Medicine Liver Tumor Center Multi-Disciplinary Clinic, presented this year’s keynote address, “Developing Complementary Clinical and Research Programs: Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma.”

He discussed the process and results of his research, highlighting the importance of having effective multidisciplinary collaborations to accomplish successful research. Specifically for the research residents and students, he shared his views on what it takes to be successful: working hard, being passionate for their career specialty and selecting the right mentor.

Dr. Paul Klotman, president and CEO of Baylor, and Dr. Linda Andrews, senior associate dean of graduate medical education, spoke at the event about the importance of developing excellent clinical and basic research as a foundation for the advancement of better treatments to improve patient care at all levels.

This year, 85 abstracts were submitted for presentation in the symposium, up from 74 submitted last year. A panel of experts from outside the Department of Surgery selected the submissions that were presented during the event. There were four clinical research full presentations, four basic science full presentations, 10 quick shot (brief) scientific presentations by residents and fellows and five quick shot presentations by students.

Resident Research Day

The event culminated with the awards for best presentations:

• Best Quick Shot Scientific Presentation: Dr. Somala Mohammed for, “Improving chimeric antigen receptor modified T-cell function by reversing the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment of pancreatic cancer.” Mentor: Dr. William Fisher

• Best Clinical Research Scientific Presentation: Dr. Nicole Tapia for, “Checklist-enhanced handoffs: a randomized controlled trial of standardized surgical resident handoff.” Mentor: Dr. James Suliburk

• Best Basic Science Scientific Presentation: Dr. Darrell Wu for, “Oxidative stress induces smooth muscle cell contractile dysfunction leading to aortic wall failure.” Mentor: Dr. Scott LeMaire

• Best Student Quick Shot Presentation: Kelsey Lau, for “The impact of a regional hepato-pancreaticoduodenal surgical program on clinical volume, quality of cancer care and outcomes in the VA system.” Mentor: Dr. Daniel Anaya

Nearly 250 attended this event that promises to become a tradition in the department of surgery supporting excellent basic and clinical research by residents and students.