Research

At Yale Surgical Research we perform innovative state–of–the–art basic, clinical and translational research—whether in the laboratory, on the computer, in the operating room, or on the ward—including:

• Identifying and characterizing membrane proteins
• Developing ergonomic surgical instruments
• Analyzing immunological response to heart, liver and kidney transplants
• Using synthetic vessel material
• Investigating age–dependent factors in ureteral–vesical functions
• Investigating diabetes–induced changes in the genitourinary tract
• Studying membrane properties of cells comprising the OHC system
• Determining the inflammatory response to potential biological warfare agents
• Performing emergency room screening and intervention for substance abuse
• Perform state-of-the-art outcomes research
• Perform tissue engineering

Over 50% of Yale Surgery full–time faculty conduct surgical research with medical students, residents, and pre– and post–doctoral fellows from all over the world. This New Haven, Connecticut–based international collaboration produces more than 700 peer–reviewed publications per year, many published in the top pure science journals (Nature, Science, and Cell). Extramural funding, from the NIH, the VA, DARPA, and other major public and private funders, tops $7 million per year. The department is presently ranked 7th nationally based on funded research dollars. In addition we are increasing our ever–widening partnership with those public and private agencies, corporations, foundations, and individuals excited by our work. To learn more, please see Areas of Research.

In addition to peer–awarded funding, Yale Surgery is proud to be engaged in current national clinical trials, including, but not limited to:

• Study of Tamoxifen and Raloxifene to prevent breast cancer, Donald Lannin, M.D.
• Study of Medical Therapy on the Progression of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, Harris Foster, M.D.
• Testing new laparoscopic training devices and collaboration with U.S. Surgical in the design and implementation of new surgical instruments and appliances for laparoscopic surgery
• The Yale Center for Children’s Surgical Research engages in bench to bedside research to improve the health of our youngest patients.

At Yale Surgical Research, cutting–edge research is being translated from bench to bedside and back to bench. Disease–oriented research conducted at the cellular, molecular and organ level is being applied in the clinical setting and returned to the lab for refinement. Bi–weekly meetings of researchers across campus bring together the best minds to present fresh, inventive approaches to surgery methods and methodologies as well as to discuss new findings in clinically targeted bench research. In this rich academic and collaborative environment, the future leaders in academic surgery as well as in private practice are being created today at Yale Surgery.

As the Director of Yale Surgical Research, I invite you to join our Department as we take the challenge of improving the quality of life for patients by embracing both basic science research and clinical outcomes to tailor new directions in translational research.

John Geibel, M.D., D.Sc.
Professor, Surgery and Cellular and Molecular Physiology
Director of Surgical Research
john.geibel@yale.edu
(203) 737-4152