# Gastrointestinal Surgery Outcomes Research Fellowship

> **NIH NIH T32** · UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON · 2020 · $311,887

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
The average American undergoes nine surgical or interventional procedures over their lifetime, many related to
diseases of the digestive track or conditions associated with obesity. Despite being common, most of these
procedures have not been subjected to rigorous evaluation of their effectiveness. In addition, the best practices
needed to accomplish the best outcomes, population-level results, patient-reported perspectives, and cost
considerations have yet to be addressed. As healthcare systems strive to deliver greater value and increase
the effectiveness of the care they deliver, addressing these gaps is critical. One reason for the shortfall in
rigorous clinical research in gastrointestinal conditions commonly treated with surgery is a paucity of formal
training in health services, clinical trials, and comparative effectiveness research for surgeons. To address this
need, we propose the continuation of the University of Washington's T32 fellowship in clinical, health services,
and comparative effectiveness research for surgeons. This fellowship involves didactic training and practical
experience in advanced clinical research methodology focused on interventions related to the gastrointestinal
system, diabetes, and obesity-related conditions. The training is focused in 6 areas (research using
observational data, patient-centered outcome and preference assessment, health economics and behavioral
economics in healthcare, implementation and health system science, clinical trials, and research operations
management) and is intended to develop surgeon-scholars who will be successful scientists and leaders in
academic medicine. The didactic component includes coursework that results in a Master of Public Health or
Master of Science degree. Trainees complete a set of projects and studies using the full spectrum of research
methods and approaches. The trainee's experience is fostered by a structured mentorship program, led by
investigators who have a career commitment to training and demonstrated success in high-level research and
integrating evidence into practice. Many of the projects led by fellows involve collaboration with a unique,
statewide data sharing network of 45 hospitals and a national research platform of over 40 hospitals in 15
states. These networks allow for observational cohort studies and support the conduct of randomized trials in
the management of common gastrointestinal conditions (e.g., appendicitis and diverticulitis). Trainees
participate in the fellowship for two years and then serve an additional 3-5 years of clinical training. Past and
current fellows have had high levels of research success judged by publications and presentations, and the
program has had a considerable impact on trainees, the community, and the nation. Prior trainees who have
completed their clinical training are now taking academic positions and have been finding success as
independent investigators. The significant changes plann...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9934819
- **Project number:** 2T32DK070555-11
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
- **Principal Investigator:** David R Flum
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $311,887
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2010-07-01 → 2025-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9934819

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9934819, Gastrointestinal Surgery Outcomes Research Fellowship (2T32DK070555-11). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9934819. Licensed CC0.

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