Surgical Trials
Surgical Trial Support
We are a community of surgeons promoting collaboration and development for clinical trials in the department.
About the Center for Surgical Trials
The Michigan Center for Surgical Trials supports faculty and residents in the Department of Surgery working on clinical trials. Our work focuses on driving collaboration for investigators planning to lead clinical trials and actively assessing the needs among surgeons in the department.
Our Mission
Our Work
The center coordinates with surgeons seeking to explore the next steps for their research in the sphere of clinical trials. Our team of clinical research coordinators advance new and existing surgical trials in the department. The work of the center includes:
Assisting principal investigators with recruitment efforts
Liaising with institutional regulatory programs
Create training opportunities for learners
Get Involved
Surgical Trials Fellowship
We offer a two-year Clinical Trials Fellowship for surgery residents that can be completed during their Academic Development Time (ADT). This unique opportunity is co-supported by Christina Angeles, MD, and Melissa Pilewskie, MD, and is designed for residents with a strong interest in surgical oncology and clinical research.
The fellowship focuses on advancing surgical oncology clinical trials through hands-on involvement and formal training. The fellow will:
• Participate in Rogel Cancer Center Clinical Research Team (CRT) meeting.
• Support patient enrollment and trial execution activities.
• Receive internal and external training on clinical trial development, initiation and implementation.
• Attend national conferences focused on clinical trial design and conduct.
• Collaborate with the surgical oncology team to enhance and expand ongoing clinical trial efforts.
Educational Sessions
Our team offers educational sessions to faculty and trainees in the department interested in learning more about surgical trials. Sessions are designed to share resources and help investigators prepare for establishing surgical trials.
Consultations
We work with principal investigators in the department to plan for the next steps in their research and navigate the surgical trial processes at the U-M Medical School. Faculty and residents can reach out to the leadership team to request a consultation.
Leadership
Please email our leadership team to learn more about our work.
Melissa Pilewskie, MD, FACS
Clinical Associate Professor of Surgery and Ambulatory Care Clinical Chief
Medical School
William Palazzolo, MS, PA-C
Department of Surgery
