RESURG: Research Experience in Surgery

Project Assistance Request: Please download the RESURG PI Resource Request Form HERE and return the completed application to hs-resurg@ucdavis.edu.

Highlighted Current Projects

• Effect of Bariatric Surgery on Pregnancy

  Research Classification: Retrospective
  Principal Investigator: Victoria Lyo, M.D.
  Research Assistants: Kanksha Koti, Charuthi Arul                                                                   
  Objective/Purpose:
  This study is conducted to determine if the chronological sequencing of when bariatric surgery happens in relation to pregnancy has effects on the mother's body (during and after pregnancy) and the resulting child's development. The data gathered can be split into 2 main categories: patients who received bariatric surgery prior to pregnancy, and those who underwent bariatric surgery post-pregnancy. We will use the values indicated in their charts to identify how well patients responded to pregnancy post bariatric surgery as well as bariatric surgery post pregnancy. The data comparison will determine whether or not there is a significant impact on pregnancy pre- and post-bariatric surgery.  

• Improving Surveillance for Patients with known Aortic Aneurysms (ILLUMINATE)

  Research Classification: Retrospective
  Principal Investigator: Misty Humphries, M.D.
  Research Assistants: Emily Xu (Lead RA), Aida Mushell, Dena Sayrafi
  Objective/Purpose:
  Racial, gender, and ethnic minority groups less frequently receive screening but more frequently have aneurysms and worse outcomes with rupture and repair. Our study aims to improve surveillance for aneurysmal disease in these groups that could improve their outcomes on a population level. Using Natural Language Processing (NLP) software in conjunction with Electronic Medical Records (EMR) presents a unique opportunity to identify new aneurysms and patients who were previously lost to follow-up. Additionally, this software allows for the identification and surveillance of aneurysmal disease in patients who may not meet traditional screening criteria.

• Investigating the role of Timing in Post-Operative Ankle/Toe Brachial Index

  Research Classification: Retrospective 
  Principal Investigator: Mimmie Kwong, M.D.
  Research Assistants: Brian Luong (Lead)
  Objective/Purpose:
  This study’s objective is to investigate the following areas: 
    1)  Investigate whether the ankle/toe brachial index changes over the course of the post-operative period.
    2) Compare the differences in ankle/toe brachial index timing between patients who received open vascular and endovascular interventions.
    3) Determine if there is an optimal time for obtaining a post-operative ankle/toe brachial index.             

• Implementation of Telemedicine for patient with wounds and ulcers (K23)

  Research Classification: Quality Improvement
  Principal Investigator: Misty Humphries, M.D.
  Research Assistants: Neha Gondra (Lead)
  Objective/Purpose:
  The K23 study is a quality improvement project assessing if telemedicine can improve the specialty care offered for new patients with wounds and ulcers due to peripheral artery disease (PAD) and diabetes mellitus (DM) at rural health clinics (RHC). The study aims to implement telemedicine consultations at RHCs, evaluate and improve the time to specialist evaluation/treatment ratio, and determine if telemedicine patients with lower levels of activation need more resources to get additional care.

• Improving Access to Primary Care for Trauma Patients (TAC)

  Research Classification: Prospective
  Principal Investigator: Joseph Galante, M.D. and Siobhan, Luce (co-PI)
  Research Assistants: Srikar Shrikantham (Lead), Rafael Ricon, and Emily Xu
  Objective/Purpose:
  The study aims to improve access to primary care services amongst trauma patients via inpatient counseling with or without referral to a free UC Davis student-run clinic to manage a chronic condition. The project is currently screening and enrolling patients for the study.

• Effect of Prenatal Wildfire Exposure on Childhood Allergic Sensitization and Asthma Development

  Research Classification: Retrospective
  Principal Investigator: Anh Nguyen, M.D.
  Research Assistants:  Elisa Gonzalez  
  Objective/Purpose:
  The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of prenatal wildfire air pollution on the development of asthma and allergic diseases (allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and food allergies) and whether exposure at different stages of pregnancy impact the incidence of these conditions.

The positions listed below are all unpaid internships that are completed remotely. All of RESURG’s internship positions have a time commitment of 8 hours per week for 3 consecutive quarters. If accepted into the program, a mandatory 2-hour class will be required as part of the 8-hour requirement in the first quarter of the program.
  
All of the positions listed below will go through the same program training and have the same general duties, such as RESURG program support, Department of Surgery research support, and designated research and project leadership (if applicable). All positions provide the intern with the following experiences and opportunities: 1) education and experience in clinical research and 2) personal and professional development through mentorship. Research Assistants can be placed on any divisions study and is dependent on the needs of the Department of Surgery. Pediatric Research Assistants work with RESURG to provide study assistance to the Department of Pediatrics. Meanwhile, Data Specialists will work extensively with REDCap to assist Research Assistants and Department of Surgery faculty.

Currently Offered Positions:

• Research Assistant (RA)
• Pediatric Research Assistant (PRA)
• Data Specialist (DS)

Position Descriptions

• Research Assistant (applicable to RA and PRA)
  • The RESURG Research Assistant (RA) will perform the following duties/tasks/responsibilities: RESURG program support, Department of Surgery research support, designated research, and project leadership (if applicable), education, mentorship, clinical observation (if available), and general compliance. This position provides the RA with the following experiences and opportunities: 1) education and experience in clinical research and 2) personal and professional development through mentorship.
• Pediatric Research Assistant (PRA)
  • The RESURG Pediatric Research Assistant (PRA) predominately works on projects assigned by RESURG from the Department of Pediatrics. Additionally, their work will be managed directly by the Pediatric CRC’s and Jr. Specialists.
• Data Specialist
  • The RESURG Data Specialist (DS) position works extensively with REDCap to provide assistance to Research Assistants and Department of Surgery faculty. This position provides the DS with the following experiences and opportunities: 1) experience in clinical research with a focus through Database creation and management and 2) personal and professional development through mentorship.

The RESURG application for Spring 2025 is now open HERE. Applications are due May 12, 2025.

RESURG typically holds recruitment cycles twice annually: in Fall and Spring quarters. All interested applicants are required to submit a written application, and a selected number of applicants will be interviewed.

Applicants interested in the Spring 2025 RESURG recruitment cycle are encouraged to attend an Info Session or Q&A Session to hear from the RESURG admin team and members.

Info Session #1 on Zoom, 4/24 at 7 PM - https://ucdavishealth.zoom.us/j/97340392619?pwd=uNNmOhV5iJ857VjP5GRvXqFJY8Hjb5.1 

Info Session #2 on Zoom, 4/30 at 7 PM - https://ucdavishealth.zoom.us/j/95626872080?pwd=3Y2Ri7hlv4jVTRWkbK1COIRB26zpG6.1

Q & A on Zoom, 5/6 at 7 PM  - https://ucdavishealth.zoom.us/j/91040637757?pwd=lrSB7GADj7dku8R5afTIWrVMHtm6Pq.1

Philanthropy: Fostering the Future

Introduction
Since its initial launch in 2021, RESURG’s annual philanthropy event, “Fostering the Future,” has quickly become a cornerstone of the program. “Fostering the Future” (FTF), is a two-day educational event aimed at providing leadership development, personal growth, and career exploration opportunities in healthcare, medicine, and clinical research to underserved high school students across Northern California. Over the course of the event, students will participate in several workshops that provide valuable information for their professional and educational development, as well as the opportunity to create meaningful connections that they can rely on for guidance and support while navigating their unique path to a career in the healthcare industry. Additionally, they will have the chance to learn and practice a variety of skills that will ultimately aid them in their chosen careers and in life. At RESURG, it is our mission to support students’ individual goals and aspirations, and to provide them with the resources to successfully achieve them. In doing so, we hope to not only help grow the healthcare leaders of tomorrow, but ultimately ‘foster the future’ of each student that attends our event by helping them thrive in whatever career they choose to pursue.
“Fostering the Future” has been a huge success since the first virtual event in 2021 and has grown tremendously in each of the in-person events in 2022 and 2023. We are extremely excited to be hosting this event again for the 4th annual “Fostering the Future” in 2024 at the UC Davis Health Campus!

Event Details
This event will take place at the UC Davis Health Campus in Sacramento. 
Students can look forward to an exciting lineup of informational panels and activities, including presentations on the basics of clinical research and career explorations in healthcare, as well as career panel, a tour of the simulation lab at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing, a dissection and suture workshop, resume building, and much more!   

How to Apply
Applications for “Fostering the Future” are now open and are due May 14, 2025. You can access the application link HERE.

Contact Us
Email: fosteringthefuture.davis@gmail.com