Research Opportunities
Research Opportunities for Fellows
Fellows are expected to design and undertake one or more research projects resulting in a manuscript or undertake other substantive scholarly exploration that requires analysis and critical thinking. Each fellow will be mentored and supported in this endeavor, catering to the individual’s needs and interests.
Education and Research Training Course
Early in the first year, cardiology fellows will participate in an Education and Research Training Course, along with other subspecialty pediatric fellows. This course provides training in biostatistics, study design, clinical and laboratory research methodology, preparation of IRB protocols, abstract and manuscript writing and ethical principles related to clinical research. Additional computer-based training is available on key research topics .
Research Mentors
The fellow will then choose a research mentor. Monthly meetings with the mentor will provide ample opportunity for coaching. A total of 12 months during the fellowship are fully devoted to research. During this time, fellows will develop a research idea, obtain IRB approval, gather and analyze data, derive and defend conclusions and place the conclusions in the context of what is known about the subject and what remains to be learned about the specific area of inquiry. It is anticipated that each fellow will present their completed work in oral or written form at a local and/or national meeting.
Research Opportunity Examples
Numerous research opportunities exist at Nemours, both within the Cardiac Center and in conjunction with the Nemours Research Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine Lab. The main areas of inquiry are Basic Science Research, Translational Research and Clinical Research. Below are samples of ongoing research projects at Nemours that would welcome fellow involvement:
- Heart failure research: To identify the participation of extracellular matrix in inducing cardiac remodeling via specific signal transduction (Fibluin-2 as a modulator of TGF-b activation).
- Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine Lab: Advanced cell biological, biochemical and tissue engineering techniques are being used to develop cardiac tissue equivalents in the lab with the aim of providing a source of implant material for pediatric heart surgeons.
- A novel echocardiographic approach in assessing myocardial contractile reserve.
- Serum TGF-beta levels in post-Fontan patients to assess their risk in developing long term complications.
- Studies examining neurodevelopmental outcomes in congenital heart disease patients and neuroprotective strategies during infant cardiac surgery.
1. Congenital Heart Disease Clinical Trials
- Anomalous Aortic Origin of a Coronary Artery Registry
- Atrioventricular Septal Defect Registry
- Closure of Muscular Ventricular Septal Defects with the Amplatzer
- Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction Registry
- Pulmonary Conduit Registry
- Tricuspid Atresia Registry
2. Preventive Cardiology Research
- Ongoing projects related to obesity, hypertension and dyslipidemia.
- Writing proposals can be made to the TODAY or CARDIA studies to analyze data sets of interest.
3. Mechanical Circulatory Support Research
- EXCOR Pediatric Ventricular Assist Device Post Approval Study
- Interagency Registry of Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support Registry.
Questions About Applying
Bradley W. Robinson, MD
Program Director, Pediatric Cardiology Fellowship Program
(302) 651-6955
bradley.robinson@nemours.org
Erin Galbraith
Program Coordinator,
Pediatric Cardiology Fellowship Program
(302) 651-6606
erin.galbraith@nemours.org