Research at the Department of Surgery is a dynamic and multifaceted field, focusing on improving surgical techniques, patient outcomes, and understanding the underlying mechanisms of diseases.
Within our 10 surgical divisions, research aims to push the boundaries of what is possible in surgery, ultimately leading to better patient care and outcomes. We have developed three main programs that support our faculty, residents and fellows: Basic & Translational Research; Clinical Trials; and the UNC Center for Surgical Health Services Research (the USHER program). The three programs have secured almost $10 million dollars in FY2025 and our surgeons have published over 150 publications.
A strong leadership supports the development, review, implementation, and management of sponsored projects through all stages: from proposal, through budgeting and planning, to award management and compliance. The Applied Biostatistics Team is a tremendous asset for our Department assisting all of our faculty and trainees in robust study designs, statistical analysis, and large database access and analysis.:
Clara Lee, MD, MPP, FACS, Vice Chair for Research
Phil Spanheimer, MD, Associate Chair for Basic/ Translational Sciences
Bill Marston, MD, Associate Chair for Clinical Trials, and
Adam Akerman, PhD, Director for Research
Chris Agala, PhD, Biostatistical/ Epidemiology Manager
Please use the Grant Services Request Form to get in touch for all of your upcoming applications, questions and comments.
Quick Facts
363
PUBLICATIONS
$677,809
CLINICAL TRIAL DOLLARS
55
RESEARCHERS
$7,490,483
FEDERAL GRANT DOLLARS
112
GRANT SUBMISSIONS
$9,842,500
TOTAL RESEARCH GRANT DOLLARS
* Data shown for Jul 2023- Jun 2024 Fiscal Year
