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The Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery held its 8th annual Research Day Symposium June 3, 2020. The focus of the department’s research program is to conduct important research in surgical disease that will improve treatment and quality of life for affected patients and to train future leaders in academic surgery.

This year’s symposium—which was the first ever delivered through a virtual format—underscored both aspects of this mission by highlighting the exciting research activities of our residents, fellows, staff, and students. Our trainees and staff presented work from across our divisions and affiliated hospitals and several members of our department were recognized for their fantastic work. The featured work was selected from 150 submitted abstracts—a record high for the event! Importantly, the accomplishments of our trainees and staff are a strong reflection of the outstanding mentorship provided by our faculty members.

Best Scientific Presentation – Basic Science – Richard Whitlock, M.D. “Pathway to personalized targeted therapy for refractory hepatoblastoma” Mentor: Sanjeev Vasudevan, M.D. $1000 educational grant.

Best Scientific Presentation – Clinical Research - Brittany Johnson, M.D. “Pediatrician Experience Using the American Academy of Pediatrics Firearm Infographic in the Delivery of Safe Firearm Anticipatory Guidance: A Qualitative Study” Mentor: Bindi Naik-Mathuria, M.D. $1000 educational grant.

Best Quick Shot Presentation: Residents and Fellows - Andre Critsinelis, M.D. “Sex, Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Cardiovascular Trials in the United States: 2020 Landscape in Over 230,000 Patients” Mentor: Ourania Preventza, M.D. $250 educational grant.

Best Quick Shot Presentation: Clinical, Research, and Education Staff - Alejandro Zulbaran “Effectiveness of Daily Home Electrical Stimulation as an Adjunctive Therapy to Accelerate Wound Healing in People with Diabetic Foot Ulcer – A Double Blinded Randomized Control Trial” Mentor: Bijan Najafi, Ph.D., M.Sc. $250 educational grant.

Best Quick Shot Presentation: Students - Rowland Pettit “Machine Learning Methods for Post-Transplant Survival Predictions” Mentor: Abbas Rana, M.D. $250 educational grant.