Research
McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is dedicated to advancing the field through innovative research and the continuous expansion of our research department. With a strong team composed of faculty members, residents, and full-time research fellows, our department is at the forefront of clinical research and surgical innovation.
Our current research spans a wide range of subspecialties, focusing on improving patient outcomes and pushing the boundaries of reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. These subspecialties include:
- Breast Reconstruction: Investigating surgical techniques, patient-centered outcomes, and the impact of sociodemographic factors on breast reconstruction.
- Extremity Salvage and Microsurgery: Developing advanced microsurgical methods for limb preservation and rehabilitation, particularly for trauma patients.
- Gender Affirmation Surgery: Conducting studies to enhance surgical techniques, optimize patient satisfaction, and explore the psychosocial benefits of gender-affirming procedures.
- Craniofacial Surgery: Focusing on congenital and acquired craniofacial anomalies, including cleft lip and palate, our research aims to refine surgical techniques and improve functional and aesthetic outcomes.
- Vascular Anomalies: Engaged in the study of vascular malformations and hemangiomas, we explore cutting-edge treatments and their long-term efficacy.
- Hand Surgery: Concentrating on traumatic injuries, our research focuses on traumatic hand injuries, exploring innovative treatments to restore function and quality of life while addressing disparities in access to care, treatment delays, and outcomes.
- Burns: Improving long-term outcomes for burns patients, including advanced wound healing techniques and addressing reconstructive strategies for severe burns.
Through collaborations with multidisciplinary teams and the integration of the latest technological advances, our research department is committed to driving excellence in clinical care and contributing to the global body of plastic and reconstructive surgery knowledge. Our goal is to translate research into real-world applications that enhance patient care and surgical outcomes.
Our division is dedicated to fostering academic growth and offers opportunities for medical students to participate in exciting clinical research. Students can gain hands-on experience, contribute to publications, and collaborate with faculty and residents on impactful projects across various plastic surgery subspecialties. We are also proud to be actively involved in the McGovern Medical School Summer Research Program, which provides an excellent platform for students to immerse themselves in plastic surgery research during the summer break.
Research Opportunities
- McGovern Medical School Summer Research Program
For first year medical students, identify faculty mentors early and use the following link to apply: https://med.uth.edu/oep/msro/msro-programs/srp/
- Research for Residents
Residents interested in getting involved are welcome to reach out to faculty about projects and join us for our weekly research meetings.
- 1-2 Year Research Fellowship
Each year, 2-3 funded research positions are available for residents and medical students interested in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Fellows work closely with all faculty across multiple projects for data collection, statistical analysis, writing manuscripts, and coordination of randomized controlled trials. Fellows will have opportunities to demonstrate productivity through publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at local and national conferences.
Plastic Surgery 2024-2025 Research Fellows
Hometown: Green Bay, WI
Undergraduate School: Rice University
Medical School: McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston
Plastic surgery interests: Reconstructive microsurgery
Hobbies: Relaxing on beach vacations, trying new restaurants, spending time with my Pomeranian, watching and playing sports, and visiting family in Wisconsin.
Hometown: Plano, TX
Undergraduate School: Johns Hopkins University
Medical School: McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston
Plastic surgery interests: Craniofacial surgery
Hobbies: Video games, going to the movies, making recipes