Department of Surgery

Cardiac surgery research

The Cardiac Surgery program is active in research. Scientific inquiry spans the breadth from molecular basic science to population epidemiological research. This provides a rich resource to interested students for case report generation for BSc or graduate degree research.

Two surgeons in the section of Cardiac Surgery have basic science laboratories, as well a very rich database with over 12,000 patients available for outcomes research. The Cardiac Surgery program is continually approached by industry to participate in clinical trials. The Section of Cardiac Surgery is also developing a group to generate novel, peer-reviewed, randomized, clinical trials (the Cardiac Health Research in Manitoba, or CRHM, Investigator Group).

Neurosurgery research

The Section of Neurosurgery is engaged in various academic endeavors locally, nationally and internationally across different sub-specialty areas, including epilepsy, neuro-oncology, spine, cranial nerve disorders, neurovascular, pediatrics and neurotrauma. It currently employs five PhD neurosurgeons with different, yet complimentary, research training and disciplines.

Orthopedic surgery research

The recently formed Joint Research Council has representatives from sports medicine/upper extremity, arthroplasty, trauma, spine and pediatric surgery.

Orthopedic Surgery research is assisted by the Alexander Gibson Orthopedic Fund for Research and Education. Bestowed by the Estate of the late Alexander Gibson, it has provided a tremendous boost to research and delivers ongoing funding to various trials, as well as educational and research efforts.

Pediatric general surgery research

The attending surgeons within the Section of Pediatric General Surgery participate in clinical research activities. Resident research projects involving clinical reviews and presentations are supervised by staff surgeons. The section participates in CAPSNet (Canadian Pediatric Surgery Network), a national surgical database for research purposes. Dr. Hancock participates in national and international trials related to pediatric intensive care.

Plastic surgery residency research

We have a Director of Resident Research within the Section of Plastic Surgery. All residents are expected to prepare a research paper yearly for Residents' Day and are encouraged to submit papers for the Annual Meeting of the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons and the Annual Meeting of the American College of Surgeons - local chapter. Upon approval by the Section, funding for travel is available for PGY1-5's to present papers at meetings. The Department of Surgery employs a Biostatistical Analyst. An emphasis is placed on clinical trials research.

Thoracic surgery research

The research program in the Section of Thoracic Surgery is primarily focused on clinical studies, although we have a close collaboration with basic scientists at the University of Manitoba and CancerCare Manitoba.

Our research is also collaborative by nature and involves working with the following specialties: anesthesiology, respirology, ENT, medical oncology, radiation oncology. We welcome trainees interested in any of these specialties to participate in our research studies.

Our research program can provide a wonderful opportunity for students and trainees interested to further their research experience.

Urology surgery research

Clinical research in this section involves metabolic stone disease, endourology, urological oncology and urinary retention. Together with radiation and medical oncologists, the Section of Urology participates in a wide range of multidisciplinary studies within the field of urological oncology.

Residents and medical students are an important part of research in our section. Residents are expected to complete research projects during their resident years and medical students with interest are engaged during research electives with the research director. These have resulted in publications that aid in medical student application to residency programs.