Research Opportunities
The department has an active research division. There are over 6000 square feet of research space. Four faculty Ph.D.’s and two postdoctoral Ph.D.’s staff the research laboratory. Areas of study focus on three major categories: aging, reproductive health and oncology. Current research studies are examining the immunological factors that control the normal fetal development in pregnancy, the immunology of infertility, tumor immunology, prognostic indicators in ovarian cancer, hormone therapy in cardiovascular disease and cancer, and complementary alternative medical approaches.
Each clinical faculty member is actively involved in ongoing clinical or laboratory research. The department has an annual Resident Research Day in which the PGY-2 present their research proposal, and PGY-3 and PGY-4 residents and senior fellows present a formal research paper. This is an all-day event. A nationally renowned speaker is invited to participate in the program and to present work on a current issue. Significant financial awards are presented to Research Day winners.
Residents have the opportunity to work with the research faculty in formulating or supporting ongoing research projects. Many residents select a project early in their residency and develop it throughout the four years. This is strongly encouraged. Each resident is encouraged to produce a paper of publication quality. Several papers have been presented at national meetings. Recent University of Louisville residents have won awards for their presentation at the ACOG District V and the Annual Clinical Meeting of ACOG as well as at the annual meetings of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine and the Society for Gynecologic Investigation. Much of the ongoing research in the department is supported by NIH or pharmaceutical grants.
