SUNY Downstate Department of Surgery's iNSPIRe Program Launches iLab
Dec 1, 2024
SUNY Downstate Department of Surgery’s iNSPIRe (CliNical Science Program for Independent
Research) program is pleased to announce the launch of iLab, a research center within
the Department for surgery residents. The objective of iLab is to provide a supportive
environment for clinically active residents to engage in outcomes and health services
research. It offers resources to help busy residents develop their research skills
while balancing clinical responsibilities.
The lab meets every one to two weeks during protected education time. Residents have
the opportunity to discuss project ideas, collaborate across disciplines, access iNSPIRe’s
database library and statistical resources, and engage in mentorship programs designed
to guide them toward multi-year research plans. Sessions planned for the coming year
include seminars on topics including epidemiological study designs, biostatistics,
and evaluation of evidence-based manuscripts.
Although iLab only started a few months ago, the Department of Surgery has been impressed
by resident initiative and progress thus far. Resident teams are currently engaged
in outcomes and health services research on diverticulitis, deep venous thrombosis,
inferior vena cava filters, and abdominal aortic aneurysms. The center anticipates
submitting several abstracts to the American College of Surgeons and the Academic
Surgical Congress (among others) conferences based on these studies.
Click here to learn more: iLab
Several resident members of the iLab initiative shared their vision for participation
in iLab:
“As someone who is not planning on taking dedicated time for research, the iLab has
been really helpful in getting some dedicated research experience with professionals
in the field. Through iLab I hope to gain experience with data analysis and abstract
presentation that will be useful in my future career.” Dr. John Perrotti, PGY-3
“iLab serves a platform for new ideas and provides an opportunity to refine, execute,
and publish research in a culturally supportive environment. I am hopeful that through
this I will be able to publish more, attend conferences, and network in vascular surgery.”
Dr. Maryam Khan, PGY-3
“The iLab sessions have been extremely helpful in formulating research questions and
groups and progressing through projects. With the dynamic review and feedback in these
sessions, our project is much closer to our presentation and publication goals.” Dr. Ashley Ramirez, PGY-2
“I join iLab sessions because I want to learn more about how to perform clinical research
as a resident. I want to prepare for my future research years by gaining a solid foundation
in statistical analysis, manuscript writing, and literature appraisal.” Dr. Christina
Falcone, PGY-1