May 17th, 2023, marked yet another successful Experimental Surgery/Injury Repair and Recovery Research Day—an in-person affair held at the beautiful venue of L’Espace Canal (Sainte-Ambroise). This event was particularly noteworthy as it broke the three-year streak of virtual symposiums.
Titled 'Future Trends in Interventional Sciences' this significant gathering not only provided a platform for knowledge exchange but also served as the official announcement for the department's renaming. With a forward-looking and inclusive approach, the department has transitioned from its previous name, the "Department of Experimental Surgery," to the more encompassing and progressive "Department of Surgical and Interventional Sciences." This change reflects the evolving nature and diverse scope of the department's research endeavors.
With a gathering of approximately 160 attendees, including graduate students, residents, professors, and medical staff, this research day successfully brought together esteemed researchers and professionals from diverse fields associated with surgery. The primary objective of the event was to showcase cutting-edge research, foster interdisciplinary collaborations, and ignite inspiration for the pursuit of innovative solutions within the field.
A major highlight of the research day was the captivating keynote address delivered by the distinguished Dr. Sheila Russo from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Boston University (BU). As an esteemed expert in the field, Dr. Russo's talk on "Soft Material Robotics and Next-Generation Surgical Robots" left the audience enthralled. Her insights into the emerging technologies and their potential impact on interventional sciences served as a tremendous source of inspiration to all attendees.
The research day encompassed a diverse range of presentations and abstract submissions, effectively showcasing the breadth of research conducted within the department. With over 55 abstracts received, each representing a unique contribution to the field of surgery, the submissions spanned various sub-disciplines, including surgical education, biomechanics, machine learning, urology, cardiology, orthopedics, and more.
Among the participants, 15 outstanding students were selected to present their work through concise oral talks, competing for monetary prizes awarded to the top presenters. Each presentation offered a glimpse into the promising future of interventional sciences, highlighting the innovative potential that lies ahead.
The research day served as a platform to showcase the remarkable talent and dedication of the department's students, both at the master's and doctoral levels. Through a rigorous evaluation process, three exceptional winners were chosen for their outstanding oral presentations, and two runners-up were acknowledged for their exceptional contributions. Let us extend special congratulations to the winners:
Oral Presenters:
- Malcolm Ryan - Basic Sciences
- Recai Yilmaz - Clinical Sciences
- Shrieda Jain - Outcomes
Runner-ups (2):
- Kai Sheng - Basic Sciences
- Sarah Ghezelbash - Clinical Sciences
In addition, the research day featured a poster presentation session, further emphasizing the diversity of research endeavors undertaken within the department. This session provided an opportunity for researchers to present their work visually and engage in meaningful discussions with fellow attendees.
Once again, 3 winners and 2 runners-up were honored for their outstanding poster presentations.
POSTER PRESENTERS:
- Diego Loggia - Basic Sciences
- Alireza Zahedi - Clinical Sciences
- Temitope Grace Joshua - Outcomes
Runner ups (2):
- Wajih Jawher - Basic Sciences
- Steven Seraphina - Basic Sciences
Beyond the presentations and awards, the research day fostered an environment of collaboration and networking. Scholars and professionals from various disciplines had the opportunity to engage in lively conversations, exchange ideas, and form connections that may lead to future collaborations and breakthroughs in interventional sciences. The evening culminated with a delectable gourmet feast, providing a delightful setting for professors, students, faculty members, and all attendees to partake in an enchanting evening of mingling, forging new connections, and savoring the flavors of camaraderie!
Surgical and Interventional Sciences' "Future Trends in Interventional Sciences" Research day 2023 marked a significant milestone for the department, celebrating the return of in-person gatherings after a prolonged hiatus. Through the inspiring keynote speech, engaging oral presentations, and captivating poster sessions, the event showcased the remarkable research being conducted in the department and emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation in shaping the future of interventional sciences.