Resident Research

Our History of Innovative Research

In the 1950s and 1960s, Drs. E. Donnall Thomas, Joseph Ferrebee, and David Blumenstock pioneered innovative research in bone marrow transplantation, performing the world's first human organ transplant at Bassett in 1956. Dr. Thomas received the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1990 for his work in transplantation.

The E. Donnall Thomas Research Program

In recognition of Dr. Thomas' remarkable achievements while at Bassett, a program designed to stimulate research interest among our residents has been named in his honor. Three-year residents are enthusiastically offered a creative opportunity to pursue research under this program. Residents have the option of selecting from a variety of types of projects and, work with time allocated to the project, under a Bassett physician or scientist.

Alternatively, a resident may choose to design his/her own project. Residents have access to the extensive resources of the Bassett Research Institute.

Participation in this program is voluntary.

Our Philosophy

It is the philosophy of the Department of Medicine that a resident who enters the research program will develop enhanced understanding of the medical literature, bring a unique expertise to practice and teaching, and develop special skills likely to make the resident more effective after completion of the residency — whether as a clinician or a researcher.

Project Funding & Recognition

All projects have access to funds designated for resident research allowing total expenditures of up to $25,000 at the discretion of the Research Review Committee. Research projects are displayed and presented at the annual E. Donnall Thomas Research Day. Residents whose projects demonstrate proficiency to the Resident Research Committee are recognized for their excellence in research with a certificate and have their names inscribed on a plaque. Residents are encouraged and supported to present projects at national and international meetings.

A complete list of resident publications from 2000 - 2019 can be found here.

For more information, please contact either: