Research

Improving children's health through research

In the Division of Pediatric General & Thoracic Surgery, our faculty members are devoted to research aimed at improving the health of children with surgical problems.

Our division offers opportunities for medical students, and general surgery and pediatrics residents to develop research projects of varying complexity under the mentorship of our faculty. Members of our division mentor in the Dalhousie RIM (Research in Medicine) program and the Royal College-accredited CIP (Clinician Investigator Program).

Pediatric Surgery fellows are expected to conduct at least one research project during their training, leading to the presentation of an abstract at the national or international level, as well as publication of a manuscript in a peer-reviewed journal.

Pediatric Surgery Research Fellowship:

The IWK Pediatric Surgery Research Fellowship is designed for highly motivated mid or post-general surgery residency candidates interested in becoming independent clinical investigators, as well as future leaders in academic pediatric surgery.  Our diverse group of surgeons provide opportunities for research fellows to develop projects related to health care outcome analysis, database analysis, quality improvement studies, and clinical trials for pediatric surgical conditions.

Research fellows are encouraged to initiate and lead independent research projects.  In addition, the research fellow will have the opportunity to contribute to established research projects that are in progress at our center.  Current research projects relate to a variety of areas including surgical education, quality improvement, and clinical conditions including congenital airway anomalies. 

For more information, please contact Dr. Blackmore at Christopher.blackmore@iwk.nshealth.ca.

Key areas of research interest:

Dr. Dafydd Davies

• Management of congenital lung lesions
• Surgical education
• Evidence-based practice in minimally invasive surgery
• Competence based medical education

Dr. Chris Blackmore

• Medical and surgical education
• Pediatric research ethics
• Bowel managment

Dr. Jessica Mills

• Communication skills in surgical training
• Quality-of-life outcomes
• Simulation medicine