Leading Discovery and Innovation in Cardiac Surgery

The Johns Hopkins Cardiac Surgery Research Lab fosters discovery and innovation in cardiac surgery while providing comprehensive training to the next generation of cardiac surgeons and researchers. Our lab is involved in clinical research projects aimed at improving outcomes for our patients.

For more than 80 years, we have introduced countless advancements in cardiac surgical treatment, including the development of an artificial heart.

About the Lab

Founded in 1942 by surgeon Alfred Blalock and surgical technician Vivien Thomas, the Cardiac Surgery Research Lab at The Johns Hopkins Hospital serves not only to spearhead discovery and innovation in cardiothoracic surgery but also to train future leaders in the field. Active areas of investigation include the development of novel, nanoparticle-based therapeutics to mitigate acute lung injury, avoid neurological injury during cardiac surgery, and improve organ preservation during heart and lung transplantation. The lab is also active in a variety of clinical research projects aimed at improving outcomes for our patients.

Equally important, the lab plays a critical role in training residents for impactful careers in academic cardiothoracic surgery. Medical students, residents and fellows receive hands-on simulation experiences to hone surgical skills outside the operating room. The lab also serves as a training ground to develop research and investigation skills, as trainees learn methods of advanced statistical analysis and academic writing. Special programs for undergraduates and medical students help develop their passion for cardiac surgery and surgical research, giving unique opportunities to young talent.

The Division Focus Areas

• Nanotechnology
• Device Innovation
• Surgical Model Development
• Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
• Bioinformatics
• Reducing Brain and Cardiac Injury During Surgery
• Optimizing Heart and Lung Transplant
• Precision Medicine

Contact

Interested in a particular PI’s research? Contact individual PIs on their respective laboratory page, or contact:
Jennifer S. Lawton, M.D.
Director, Cardiac Surgery Research Laboratory
[email protected]

Featured Publications

Click here to review a list of publications in PubMed.

Grants and Awards

Multiple awards, including NIH R01 grants, American Heart Association grants and internal Johns Hopkins awards, support research in cardiac surgery. Industry partnerships provide additional funding.

Opportunities

Undergraduate and Medical Student Opportunities

We have several opportunities with the cardiac surgery faculty for training in translational and clinical science research. As a member of the Cardiac Surgery Research Laboratory, you are encouraged to apply for awards and funding, and to take part in clinical observation with the division. Check out the amazing work completed by our undergraduate and medical students.

International Medical Graduates

A research position in our laboratory allows international medical graduates the opportunity to gain experience in a productive hands-on laboratory, interact with the clinical and research faculty at Johns Hopkins, and enhance their pursuits in graduate medical education in the United States. Our department does sponsor J-1 visas. Check out the amazing work completed by our international medical graduates.

Post-Doctoral Fellowship Opportunities

The Cardiac Surgery Research Training Fellowship provides several funded positions for up to two years of training. Fellows are encouraged to explore several research areas to obtain as many skills as possible. Fellows are also expected to apply for a funding award with the Thoracic Surgery Foundation, American Association of Thoracic Surgeons, American Heart Association or NIH NHLBI Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award Individual Postdoctoral Fellowship (F32). We encourage fellows to apply early, as these positions fill quickly.