TSFRE Research

In January of 2008, the Research Committee met to review 57 applications. Each major
subspecialty area—congenital heart disease, adult acquired surgery, thoracic oncology and thoracic transplantation—was well represented. The proposals varied widely in scientific focus, ranging from transplantation immunology and molecular oncology to biomechanics and tissue engineering. There was also a healthy mix of mechanical, translational and clinical science. Most importantly, all of these proposals addressed issues important to improving care for our thoracic surgical patients.

The Committee’s work includes providing constructive criticism for each applicant.
We strongly believe that this feedback will help young residents and faculty to submit ever more polished applications, and thus compete more effectively in traditional venues for increasingly scarce research funds. The committee is acutely aware that academic departments can no longer depend on diverting professional revenues to support research. Lack of this traditional bridge or
seed funding enhances the need for fundraising to make it possible for TSFRE
to increase the amount of individual awards, particularly to young faculty.

Despite the grinding pressures and financial uncertainties we all face in our clinical
practices, the breadth and high quality of the TSFRE supported research effort
reflects a strong commitment to fundamental and clinical thoracic surgical
investigation. This vital basis for the future evolution of our specialty
remains healthy and vibrant, thanks to your participation

“Not only has the Nina Starr Braunwald Award allowed us to resume work on this project, it has allowed us to support a research fellow and medical student in their efforts, elements that are crucial to our goal of training future generations.”

— Kimberly L . Gandy, M.D., PhD.,
Medical College of Wisconsin

Back to 2008 Annual Report