Department of Plastic Surgery
(909) 558-5500
Residents in plastic surgery will become involved in a basic science or clinical research project early in their residency (PGY I Research rotation) so that ample time will be available to complete a project. Specific time devoted strictly to the research project will be assigned as an integral part of more senior rotations focused during the PGY V year.
The research will be conducted under the supervision of one of the faculty members within the Department of Plastic Surgery. Exceptions will be made if a collaborative effort with an investigator outside of plastic surgery is arranged. The research topic will be of the resident's own choosing, and the project will be overseen by the designated faculty advisor. Basic research, as well as chart reviews and/or unique case reports, are all acceptable for research. Funding for projects will be provided through Departmental funds or external grants.
There is a dedicated plastic surgery lab with 794 square feet. This lab has recently been reorganized to adapt to changing technology. Each resident is expected to complete either a basic science and/or clinical research project during his/her residency. It is expected that he/she will submit and present his/her completed project at our regional and national meetings.
Recent Projects:
| Flap Physiology | Laser Research |
| Scar Prevention | Quality of Life after Weight Loss |
| Microsurgical Nerve Repair | Microsurgical Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury |
| Expanding Skin Substitute Use | Skin Substitute Tissue Engineering |
| Adult-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Use | Surgical/Microsurgical Anatomy |
| Skin Rejuvenation Methods | Facial Fracture Fixation Methods |
| Utility Analysis of Facial Trauma Fixation Methods | Craniofacial Trauma Surgical Incision Development |
The dedicated microvascular teaching laboratory also lends itself to ongoing research studies; e.g., blood flow monitoring, secondary ischemia time and its relations to flap survival, and other related projects.
We have recently acquired a 3-D Imaging system (3dMD), and are actively pursuing craniofacial, pediatric, and other reconstructive projects with this system.
We also have 3-5 summer research positions annually for Medical Students who are able to compete for Walter Macpherson grants. Our students have been extremely productive in their research and have presented papers at local, regional, and national meetings. They have also been authors on over 20 papers published since 2001. Please see Walter E. Macpherson Society summer research program for further details.