Hartford Hospital Department of Surgery Research Fellowship Program

Welcome to the Hartford Hospital Department of Surgery Research Fellowship Program—an exceptional opportunity for aspiring researchers and surgeons to develop their skills and contribute to groundbreaking advancements in surgical science. Our fellowship program offers a dynamic and immersive experience in a world-class healthcare setting, empowering fellows to conduct meaningful research while collaborating closely with some of the brightest minds in the field.

About the Fellowship Program

The Hartford Hospital Department of Surgery, under the leadership of its chairman, William Sardella, MD, FACS, FASCRS is renowned for its dedication to excellence in patient care, innovative research, and the advancement of surgical knowledge. Our Research Fellowship Program is designed to cultivate the next generation of clinician-scientists and surgical researchers through a hands-on, structured experience that emphasizes mentorship, skill-building, and scientific rigor.

Fellows in our program will:

• Engage in High-Impact Research: Collaborate on cutting-edge research projects across a range of specialties, including metabolic bariatric surgery, emergency and trauma surgery, and hepatobiliary and transplant surgery. Fellows will have the opportunity to contribute to studies aimed at predicting and improving patient outcomes, advancing surgical techniques, and enhancing precision medicine.
• Develop Research Skills: Gain valuable experience in study design, data analysis, and scientific writing. Access local, regional, and national databases to perform outcomes research. Fellows will work closely with faculty mentors to refine their research methodologies and build skills necessary for a successful career in academic medicine.
• Access Mentorship and Career Development: Active mentorship from experienced faculty and senior scientists with weekly meetings. Mentors provide guidance and support throughout the research fellowship, offering insights into study design, data interpretation, manuscript preparation, grant application, and career development.
• Collaborate with General Surgery residents and medical students: Fellows will collaborate with and mentor General Surgery residents, medical students, and undergraduate students.
• Access State-of-the-Art Resources:  Hartford Hospital’s Department of Research and the Center for Obesity Research, Innovation, and Education (CORIE) are staffed with experienced researchers and provide dedicated resources to pursue innovative and impactful research.
• Present and Publish Findings: Fellows will share their research at regional, national, and international conferences, with the goal of publishing in high-impact medical journals. This experience will enhance fellows' visibility in the field and position them for future academic or clinical research roles.

Faculty

	Pavlos K. Papasavas, MD, FACS, FASMBS, DABS-FPMBS Director of Research, Department of Surgery
	Dale S. Bond, PhD Director of Research Integration, Hartford HealthCare
	Jonathan Gates, MD, MBA, FACS Physician-in-Chief Trauma Service line, Hartford HealthCare
	Oscar Serrano, MD, FACS Associate Director of Research, Department of Surgery
	Jane Keating, MD, FACS Director of Research, Acute Care Surgery

Eligibility Requirements

1. Educational Background:
• Applicants must have completed an MD, DO, or equivalent medical degree. Graduates from accredited medical schools are preferred.
2. International Graduates:
• International applicants are encouraged to apply but must hold or be eligible for the appropriate visa status to participate in the fellowship program. Hartford Hospital can sponsor a J-1 Exchange Visitor Research Scholar visa.
• Proof of English language proficiency may be required (e.g., TOEFL or IELTS scores).
• International Graduates will not be able to be involved in clinical activities beyond observership.
3. Research Experience:
• Prior research experience is strongly preferred, especially in clinical or translational research relevant to surgery.
• Applicants should be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of research methodology, data collection, analysis, and scientific writing.
• Experience with statistical software or research tools is a plus but not required.
4. Commitment to a Career in Surgery or Research:
• The program is best suited for individuals planning a career in academic surgery, clinical research, or other roles where surgical research will be a core component of their professional development.
5. Professional Skills and Attributes:
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to engage in problem-solving and data analysis.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, particularly in presenting research findings and collaborating with mentors and team members.
• Self-motivation and the ability to work independently, while also thriving in a collaborative research environment.
6. Software Skills
• Microsoft Word, and PowerPoint. Advanced skills for preparing research proposals, manuscripts, and presentations.
• Microsoft Excel. Advanced skills, including pivot tables, complex formulas, and data visualization, are essential for handling and summarizing data.
• Reference management software (e.g., EndNote, Mendeley). Proficiency in reference management software for organizing citations, managing bibliographies, and collaborating on manuscripts.
• Statistical analysis software (SPSS, SAS, or STATA): Experience with statistical packages such as SPSS, SAS, or STATA for data management and statistical analysis. Applicants should be comfortable performing basic statistical tests, such as t-tests, chi-square tests, ANOVA, and regression analyses.

Application Materials

Applicants to the Hartford Hospital Department of Surgery Research Fellowship Program should prepare the following materials:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detailing academic background, clinical and research experience, relevant skills, publications, and presentations. Use the NIH format (see sample)
• Personal Statement: Describing career goals, motivation for applying, and specific areas of interest in surgical research.
• Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation from academic or clinical mentors who can attest to the applicant’s research abilities, work ethic, and commitment to a surgical or research career.

Application and Interview Process

The Hartford Hospital Department of Surgery is committed to a thorough and fair selection process, ensuring that each candidate is evaluated based on their skills, experience, and alignment with our research mission.

1. Application Submission: Interested applicants should submit their application via email: Allison.Clark@hhchealth.org. Required materials include a CV, personal statement, and two letters of recommendation. Applications are due by January 15 each year.
2. Initial Review: The fellowship committee carefully reviews all applications, assessing candidates for their academic background, research experience, and demonstrated commitment to a career in surgical research.
3. Interview Invitation: Selected candidates will be invited for an interview. Invitations are typically sent via email within a few weeks after the application deadline.
4. Interview Process:
• Virtual Interviews: Interviews are conducted virtually, allowing candidates to connect with our faculty from any location.
• Research Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present on a previous research project or area of interest to demonstrate their research acumen, communication skills, and ability to engage in scientific discussion.
5. Final Selection: Following interviews, the fellowship committee will conduct a thorough review to identify candidates who best align with the goals of the program. Selected fellows will be notified by email and provided with next steps.

Join Us at Hartford Hospital

The Hartford Hospital Department of Surgery Research Fellowship Program offers an unparalleled environment for career growth, intellectual exploration, and meaningful contributions to the field of surgery. We are looking for motivated, talented individuals who are eager to embark on a transformative research journey. Apply today and become part of a team committed to advancing surgical science and improving patient care.

Past Research Fellows