Frequently Asked Questions regarding Resident Life in the TCV Surgery Lab

Q.  What kinds of lab research is performed by the Resident in TCV Surgery?
A.  The research conducted here is primarily using animal based models; however, we also do a lot of cell culture studies including transformed cell and primary cells. We also have a strong molecular & cell biology component to our research, and these techniques are utilized as well. Training is available constantly to teach Residents all of these techniques.

Q.  What sort of projects other than lab research can be done?
A.   In addition to laboratory research, TCV Residents almost always have multiple other clinical projects/chart reviews/book chapters that are also running concurrently. Thus, the total number of concurrent projects can range from 2-10. Hence, we have a wide mix of different types of research.

Q.  On average, how many publications do Residents achieve during their time in the TCV lab?
A.  We are a productive lab and most Residents come out of the lab with multiple publications ranging from 5-10 including both clinical & research publications as well as book chapters sometimes.
 
Q.  What is the average number of national or regional meetings attended or presented at?
A.  All Residents are expected to present their research at local, regional or national conferences. On average, a Resident probably attends 2-3 conferences per year. Visit our Presentations page here.
 
Q. What sort of schedule do the Residents work on?
A.  The lab hours generally range from 8.00am - 5pm. Sometimes, some of the work can be done from home if this involves writing. Hence, the hours are quite flexible, as long as progress is made. The schedule also depends on the specific animal model used in the lab. Preparation time and experimental time varies, but usually do not go beyond a reasonable amount length of time.
 
Q.  What other responsibilities are there for the Residents in the TCV Lab?
A.  Another part of the lab experience is the teaching responsibilities that Residents partake in. This includes, but is not limited to, anatomy lab demonstratorship, suture workshop, tissue handling classes (this includes procuring the animal parts that will be used), didactic medical student teaching sessions, etc. In addition to this, it is the Resident's responsibility to administer prospective residency, lab and fellowship applicants. Residents are also responsible for the visiting professors which includes organizing formal presentations of our current research.
Q.  How many, and what kinds of, people work in the TCV Lab?
A.  We have a wide variety of people in the lab at any given time. The attending surgeons (Drs. Kron and Kern) are very supportive and are available each day for discussions. Victor Laubach, PhD, is present in the lab and part of his responsibility is to assist the Residents in the design and execution of research studies. Other personnel in the lab include Postdocs and students. It should also be known that the residents have daily help from various technicians in the lab, especially for animal handling. All in all, an average day will have about 10 people.
 
Q.  What kinds of meetings are held for TCV Resident research?
A.  Each week on Thursday morning we have a Lab meeting with all lab personnel including attending surgeons where Residents can discuss their research and results and receive guidance and input from everyone at the meeting. Each year or two we also hold an evening retreat where we eat and talk about more global projects for the lab and what changes in direction the lab may need to make.
 
The experience gained in our TCV Research Lab is top notch and very unique.