OVERVIEW
Innovation is the hallmark of the Plastic Surgery Division at BWH and BWFH, which is reflected in its research mission to develop novel therapies to improve patient care. Andrea Pusic, MD, an internationally recognized expert in optimizing and evaluating Patient Reported Outcomes, is the Division Chief and oversees its research efforts. Central to our singular mission of providing unsurpassed patient care and advanced medical education is the development of solutions to difficult problems within the field of Plastic Surgery. Projects range from pre-clinical disease models to clinical trials, thereby incorporating every node in a ‘bench to bedside’ paradigm. Our multidisciplinary research program allows for rapid progression of concepts from inception to opportunity for the benefit of our patients.
Research
Our research program highlights collaboration with investigators, both domestic and international. Grant support is provided by the National Institutes of Health, Department of Defense, Plastic Surgery Foundation, and many other sponsors from Academic Institutions and University-Industry collaborations. Current projects include:
- Collection and utilization of patient-reported outcomes (PRO) data to enhance the quality of surgical outcomes
- Clinical outcomes research in all facets of reconstructive plastic surgery, including breast, head and neck, chest, abdominal wall, and extremity surgery
- Development and validation of new surgical approaches to complex limb reconstruction and restoration
- Quantitative and qualitative research to evaluate psychosocial predictors of outcomes in upper extremity trauma
- Investigation of the drivers of physician distress and implement measures to improve wellness
- Development and assessment of a rigorous educational model to promote the growth of trainees
- Continued development and optimization of face and extremity composite tissue allotransplantation (CTA) to restore form and function following severe injury
- Evaluation of therapies to promote soft tissue (muscle, fat, skin) regeneration and repair following injury in pre-clinical models
- Development of tissue engineered scaffolds to promote wound healing, nerve repair, and muscle regeneration in pre-clinical models
