UF surgery residents present innovative research at national conference

Two University of Florida surgery residents presented innovative strategies for assessing and treating vascular disorders at the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress in Chicago recently, earning one of them a prestigious award.

Robert J. Feezor, M.D., a third-year resident, received the Surgical Forum Excellence in Research Award for his work analyzing gene expression patterns associated with organ failure suffered by some patients after repair of a dangerous enlargement of the body’s main blood vessel, known as a thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm. He was one of three award recipients selected from 264 residents and practicing physicians who submitted abstracts to the Surgical Forum, an extensive series of research presentations.

Also presenting in the forum was Priscilla McAuliffe, M.D., a second-year resident who discussed research that showed an enzyme inhibitor called elafin protected mice from intimal hyperplasia, an overproduction of smooth muscle cells in blood vessel walls that causes vessels to narrow and can lead to vascular disease.

McAuliffe’s team used the apparently harmless adeno-associated virus to deliver corrective genes, suggesting that the vector — which has been primarily researched for use in treating congenital conditions — could have applications for chronic diseases as well.

Both researchers credit UF College of Medicine faculty mentors for their success. Feezor worked with Lyle Moldawer, Ph.D., a professor of surgery, Henry Baker, Ph.D., a professor and interim chairman of molecular genetics and microbiology and James Seeger, M.D., a professor and chief of vascular surgery; McAuliffe worked with Moldawer, Barry Byrne, M.D., Ph.D., a professor of pediatrics and of molecular genetics and microbiology and C. Keith Ozaki, M.D., an associate professor of surgery.

The studies illustrate the leadership of Linc Moldawer and his colleagues in the surgical application of molecular biology, said William Cance, M.D., a professor and chairman of surgery.