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Department of Surgery Department of Surgery
  1. Department of Surgery
  2. Research
  3. Trainee Research Opportunities

Trainee Research Opportunities

UC San Diego Medical Students

The Independent Study Project (ISP) has long been a cornerstone of the elective curriculum at the UC San Diego School of Medicine. The ISP provides the opportunity to develop rational and scholarly methods of investigation. Because the ISP is a period of concentrated study, it supports the formation of close relationships between faculty mentors and students.

The Department of Surgery is committed to supporting the research efforts of medical students with a demonstrated interest in surgical careers. The Department will fund ISP summer research projects (e.g., basic/translational, clinical, education, engineering or health services research) relevant to understanding or improving the management/treatment of surgical problems and diseases.

  • Up to 6 awards of $5,000 each will be considered for funding annually. The number of awards will be contingent upon the submission of a sufficient number of meritorious applications.
  • Students should identify a faculty mentor prior to submission of their applications. Students can apply through the UCSD Canvas Portal.
  • This funding is limited to Medical Students completing their ISP research.

2021 ISP Awardees

Veena Do
The Effect of a non-English language on postoperative course in GI surgery
Mentor: Dr. Lopez (Colon and Rectal Surgery)

Katja Lazar
National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer process and performance measures at an academic, tertiary care colorectal surgery practice pre- and post-accreditation
Mentor: Dr. Lopez (Colon and Rectal Surgery)

Karen Leung
Psychosocial Burden of Pediatric and Adult Patients with Congenital vs Traumatic Facial Differences: Assessment of Psychiatric Distress and Mental Health Services Utilization in the United States from 2004-2012
Mentor: Dr. Gosman (Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery)

Thanh Luong
Health Utility Values of Olfactory Dysfunction in Post-COVID-19 Patients Compared to Chronic Rhinosinusitis Patients
Mentor: Dr. Yan (Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery)

Niloofar Radgoudarzi
Stage at Diagnosis and Management of Gastrointestinal Malignancies during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Mentor: Dr. White (Surgical Oncology)

Conner Trimm
Regulation of the immunological activity of exosomes by targeting cholinergic receptors in a mouse model
Mentor: Dr. Eliceiri (Trauma, Surgical Critical Care, Burns and Acute Care)

Medical Student & Resident Researchers

All medical students (UCSD and non-UCSD), residents and international medical graduates interested in pursuing research in the Department of Surgery are encouraged to complete the Medical Student Research Application (DOCX).