Academic Development and Research

Residents typically enter academic development time following completion of the third clinical year. The majority of residents spend two years of academic development time under the guidance of one of our many dedicated research mentors. Opportunities to obtain advanced degrees including a PhD are available and encouraged. In 2022, our surgery department ranked fourth nationally in NIH funding, which speaks to our dedication to training surgeon scientists and the breadth of opportunities available. Some residents choose to complete Surgical Critical Care Fellowships during their development time, and opportunities are also available for those pursuing clinical research. We are committed to preparing residents for success in academic practice, and we recognize that individual career goals vary. The purpose of academic development time is to give residents the skills they need to add to the body of medical knowledge in the setting of their individual aspirations.

Learn more about ongoing research initiatives in our department.

Our program at a glance:

  • UF Surgery is a top 5 NIH funded surgery department.
    • NIH T-32 program in Trauma, Inflammation and Sepsis
    • NIH T-32 program in Vascular Surgery
    • NIH P-50 Program (Sepsis and Critical Illness)
  • Research time typically occurs after the PGY3 year.
  • Most residents spend two years in the lab.
  • Residents can elect to complete a PhD or other advanced degree while in their Academic Development time.
  • Several residents have completed their Critical Care Fellowship during Academic Development time
  • Clinical and Research Residents benefit from annual Department Research Day, celebrating and sharing the research accomplishments of our residents and faculty once each year.


Department of Surgery Labs/Research Mentors: