Contact Name: Nicole Travis
Contact Email: sorce[at]uw.edu
Department: Surgery
Description:
The Surgical Outcomes Research Center (SORCE) has outstanding opportunities for undergraduate students to become involved in an ongoing NIH-funded study. Specifically, this study compares the outcomes of different gastric bypass operations, mainly centered on the Roux-en Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) weight loss surgery, and their anti-diabetic effects through porcine models.
Learning Objectives: RYGB interns have access to a variety of learning opportunities in the area of translational research. Specific opportunities and goals are as follows:
- Learn about research design and methodology, and how daily tasks support the long term objectives of research projects
- Learn how to conduct research with animal subjects in compliance with ethical standards
- Become proficient and comfortable handling and caring for porcine research subjects. Specifically, interns will learn to:
- Accurately monitor vital signs
- Safely administer select research treatments
- Effectively maintain central line catheters
- Perform IV Glucose/Meal Tolerance Tests
- Assist in surgery (sterile/non-sterile) and necropsy
- Learn transferable administrative skills within a professional office environment
- Become familiar with data quality management techniques and approaches. Understand the importance of quality control through accuracy and efficiency, attention to detail, methods of data management, and data security
- Learn techniques of information management geared to support an ongoing, federally-funded research study
- Become generally familiar with relevant work processes at the UW, Department of Surgery, and SORCE
In addition to project-related work, students in the SORCE Undergraduate Internship Program complete two small individual research projects and have the opportunity to interact with senior level research staff and faculty members. Students enroll in an independent study course for credit (SURG499A).
SORCE (http://depts.washington.edu/sorce) is a multi-disciplinary research center focused on improving surgical outcomes and the quality of patient care on a local, regional, and national level.
To apply, please send a resume and cover letter (stating career aspirations and how SORCE might be a good fit) to Nicole Travis at sorce@uw.edu by Oct. 18th at 5pm.
Requirements:
Must be able to commit to working a minimum of 6 hours/week per quarter (including summer), including one shift at UDB per week. Must be able to make a 1 year commitment to the internship. Must take internship for credit (SURG499). Animal handling experience a plus.