Mission
The mission of the Division of Surgical Research is to advance surgical care through rigorous clinical, translational, basic science, and health services research. We support faculty, residents, students, and collaborators in developing research ideas, designing methodologically sound studies, obtaining regulatory and grant support, analyzing data, and disseminating findings through presentations and peer-reviewed publications.
Surgical research has transformed patient care across nearly every field of medicine, from trauma, transplantation, oncology, vascular surgery, and reconstruction to advances in anesthesia, critical care, prosthetics, and minimally invasive technologies. These innovations reflect the importance of asking clinically meaningful questions and translating discoveries into improved outcomes for patients.
Our division is committed to fostering a culture of inquiry within the Department of Surgery. We aim to help faculty, residents, students, and collaborators turn observations from clinical practice into impactful research, strengthen the quality of scholarly work, and expand opportunities for collaboration across disciplines.
Through this work, the Division of Surgical Research seeks to improve patient outcomes, promote academic development, support innovation, and contribute to the broader mission of the Brody School of Medicine and ECU Health.
Welcome to the cutting-edge world of surgical research at ECU, where innovation meets precision. Our esteemed surgical research team comprises dedicated professionals committed to pushing the boundaries of medical science and advancing the field of surgery.
As a department, our collective efforts have been focused on cultivating an engaging, inclusive, and respectful research environment. We have regular monthly team meetings with different divisions within the department, which provide a platform for discussions on ongoing research projects and new opportunities. To keep faculty and staff informed, we have implemented a monthly email and bi-annual newsletter that showcase research activities and delivers updates from the Department and Brody School of Medicine. In 2019, Drs. Pories and Irish began the Ambroise Paré Society, which was a forum for surgical faculty members to present research ideas in front of clinical colleagues. The meetings came to an end, like most efforts affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. To refocus the department’s research growth, in 2023, Dr. Irish initiated a more informal platform for investigators to present their research endeavors called Coffee and Conversations, utilizing the Division of Surgical Research’s expert feedback surrounding the material discussed.
To secure the necessary resources, we have diligently pursued funding opportunities, resulting in the submission of over 100 grants to a diverse range of funding agencies and foundations. These funding sources encompass a wide spectrum of organizations, enabling us to explore multiple avenues for financial support. These include prominent institutions such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Defense (DOD), National Science Foundation, American College of Surgeons (ACS), Brody Brothers Endowment, Preparedness and Treatment Equity Coalition, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, as well as industry-sponsored and investigator-initiated studies.
Faculty
William Irish, PhD MSc
Kathryn Verbanac, PhD
Jan Wong, MD
Contact Us
The Department of Surgical Research stands at the forefront of medical innovation, bridging the gap between groundbreaking science and real-world clinical solutions. Whether you’re exploring cutting-edge advancements, seeking collaboration opportunities, or have questions about ongoing studies, give us a call.
252-744-5292