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SUNY Downstate Department of Surgery's iNSPIRe Program Launches iLab

Dec 1, 2024

inspireSUNY Downstate Department of Surgery’s iNSPIRe (CliNical Science Program for Independent Research) program is pleased to announce the launch of iLab, a research center within the Department for surgery residents. The objective of iLab is to provide a supportive environment for clinically active residents to engage in outcomes and health services research. It offers resources to help busy residents develop their research skills while balancing clinical responsibilities.  


The lab meets every one to two weeks during protected education time. Residents have the opportunity to discuss project ideas, collaborate across disciplines, access iNSPIRe’s database library and statistical resources, and engage in mentorship programs designed to guide them toward multi-year research plans. Sessions planned for the coming year include seminars on topics including epidemiological study designs, biostatistics, and evaluation of evidence-based manuscripts.  


Although iLab only started a few months ago, the Department of Surgery has been impressed by resident initiative and progress thus far. Resident teams are currently engaged in outcomes and health services research on diverticulitis, deep venous thrombosis, inferior vena cava filters, and abdominal aortic aneurysms. The center anticipates submitting several abstracts to the American College of Surgeons and the Academic Surgical Congress (among others) conferences based on these studies.  

Click here to learn more: iLab


Several resident members of the iLab initiative shared their vision for participation in iLab:  


“As someone who is not planning on taking dedicated time for research, the iLab has been really helpful in getting some dedicated research experience with professionals in the field. Through iLab I hope to gain experience with data analysis and abstract presentation that will be useful in my future career.” Dr. John Perrotti, PGY-3  


“iLab serves a platform for new ideas and provides an opportunity to refine, execute, and publish research in a culturally supportive environment. I am hopeful that through this I will be able to publish more, attend conferences, and network in vascular surgery.” Dr. Maryam Khan, PGY-3  


“The iLab sessions have been extremely helpful in formulating research questions and groups and progressing through projects. With the dynamic review and feedback in these sessions, our project is much closer to our presentation and publication goals.” Dr. Ashley Ramirez, PGY-2  


“I join iLab sessions because I want to learn more about how to perform clinical research as a resident. I want to prepare for my future research years by gaining a solid foundation in statistical analysis, manuscript writing, and literature appraisal.” Dr. Christina Falcone, PGY-1