Research

The McGovern Medical School Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine is committed to both clinical and basic science research programs, with nearly all faculty members actively engaged in research projects that seek to advance medical knowledge and improve patient care. Our core research faculty, Bridget De Lay, PhD, Diane Edmondson, PhD, and Steven Norris, PhD, are spearheading significant studies on spirochetes, a group of bacteria that play a crucial role in various human diseases. Their research is pivotal in enhancing our understanding of the pathogenesis of these organisms and developing more effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

The Department’s dedication to research programs is reflected in the substantial contributions made by both clinical faculty members and residents. Residents are integrally involved in research alongside faculty, gaining valuable experience in research as early as their first year of residency. Over the past three years, these collaborative efforts have culminated in the presentation of more than 225 abstracts at national and international conferences and the publication of more than 150 peer-reviewed articles. These achievements highlight the Department’s vibrant research culture and its commitment to advancing the field of pathology.

In addition to its research endeavors, the Department plays a key role in training the next generation of scientists and clinicians. Through its affiliation with the MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS), the Department offers comprehensive M.S. and Ph.D. programs to further the goal of training the next generation of researchers.

The collaborative environment within the Department fosters innovation and interdisciplinary research, ensuring that discoveries made in the laboratory can be swiftly translated into clinical practice. This synergy between the research and clinical sides of medicine positions the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine as a leader in the quest to improve diagnosis and treatment across the medical field.