Research and Teaching

As an academic medical center--and as the major teaching hospital for the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School--UMass Memorial Medical Center and its surgical specialists do more than just heal today’s patients. We are also involved in the research studies and clinical trials that are developing new surgical techniques and technology for the future.

Our patients will find that type of experience and advanced training throughout the UMass Memorial Health network.

Surgical Research at UMass Memorial Medical Center

The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School Department of Surgery has an extensive research program that includes 11 laboratories and 22 full-time research personnel. Our ongoing research projects and clinical trials include:

• We collaborate on a number of clinical trials for colon cancer surgery. Our patients directly benefit from the newest diagnostic treatment options that come from that research.
• UMass Memorial Pancreatic Program:  This program is working to advance treatment options for pancreatic cancer through improved patient access to clinical trials and cutting-edge therapies.
• Biomarker Discovery for Pancreatic Cancer: UMass researchers are recruiting pancreatic cancer patients to donate blood, fluid and tissue samples to be tested for biomarkers that could make earlier diagnosis possible and predict how patients may respond to treatment. To participate, call (508) 856-8663 or email pancreas@umassmed.edu.

Surgical Training at UMass Memorial

UMass Chan Medical School offers fellowship programs in:

• Breast surgery
• Minimally invasive surgery
• Plastic surgery (hand)
• Critical Care
• Vascular surgery
• Research