Frequently Asked Questions regarding Resident Life in the TCV Surgery Lab

Q.  What kinds of lab research is performed by Residents in the TCV Surgery Lab?
A.  The research conducted here encompasses different topics and various techniques. Most of the research entails animal models and/or in vitro cell culture studies. We also have a strong molecular & cell biology component to our research, and various cell biology techniques are utilized such as flow cytometry, ELISA, microscopy, immunohistochemistry, histology, etc. 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 usually have multiple other clinical projects/chart reviews/book chapters that are also running concurrently. Thus, the total number of concurrent projects can range from 2-5. 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.
 
Q.  What is the average number of national or regional meetings attended or presented at?
A.  All Residents are expected to submit and present their research at local, regional or national conferences. These presentations are either in oral or poster form. Residents usually attend 1-3 conferences per year. Visit our Presentations page for more info.
 
Q. What sort of daily schedule do the Residents work on?
A.  Research residents are 100% lab research (i.e. no clinical responsibilities) during their tenure in the lab. Daily lab hours generally range from 8.00am - 5pm. However, 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 length.
 
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, didactic medical student teaching sessions, etc. In addition to this, it is the Research Resident's responsibility to administer prospective residency, lab and fellowship applicants. Residents are also responsible for hosting visiting professors which includes organizing formal presentations of our 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, Kern, Ailawadi, and Lau) are very supportive and are available each day for discussions. Victor Laubach, PhD, Associate Professor, is present daily in the lab to guide the Residents in the design and execution of research studies. Other personnel in the lab include Postdocs and students as well as laboratory technicians and staff who also assist with Resident research and training. A typical day will have about 10 people.
 
Q.  What kinds of meetings are held for Residents doing 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 or afternoon 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.