This year, as the Sanford Surgical Research Fellow, I had the opportunity to spend
dedicated time devoted to subspecialty research in cardiovascular surgery under the
mentorship of Cornelius Dyke, M.D. My work has focused on outcomes after transcatheter
valve replacement (TAVR), specifically focusing on vascular complications which can
occur during the procedure. It has been very productive to date, and I feel our work
will make a significant contribution to the field. Additionally, as someone with an
interest in cardiothoracic surgery as a career choice, this year will greatly help
my future application for fellowship positions. As someone born and raised in North
Dakota, I hope to return to the region upon completion of my fellowship and feel that
this year will help me do so. I have had great mentorship and support through both
the University of North Dakota and Sanford Health who have partnered together to provide
this opportunity. Although this year is devoted to research, I have remained an active
member of the Department of Surgery at the UND SMHS. I continued to participate in
didactic lectures and attend weekly morbidity and mortality conferences, allowing
me to stay in touch with my co-residents and attendings. In addition to broadening
my surgical knowledge, I also have more time to spend with my family and friends.
It has overall been an excellent experience. I highly recommend taking advantage of
this unique opportunity that our surgical residency has to offer
I am currently taking a dedicated research year from my surgical residency to focus
on advancing knowledge in trauma and critical care, a field that demands ongoing innovation
and evidence-based approaches. Under the mentorship of Dr. Ahmeti, I am investigating
critical questions that influence patient outcomes, particularly those in vulnerable
populations. This year provides me with the opportunity to immerse myself in meaningful
research, build expertise, and contribute to the development of interventions that
could improve survival and recovery for trauma patients.Beyond advancing patient care, this research year plays a vital role in my education as an academic surgeon-scientist. It provides me the opportunity to not only design and conduct research but also critically evaluate existing literature, allowing me to discern high-quality research from less impactful studies. By learning how to rigorously analyze data and identify gaps in the literature, I am better equipped to ask the right questions, conduct meaningful investigations, and ultimately contribute to evidence-based advancements in the field. This combination of hands-on research experience and critical evaluation skills ensures that I am prepared to shape the future of academic surgery.
~ Anthony Duncan, M.D.