“For most people reconstructive surgery is a full time job. But I wanted to also pursue research. SC CTSI’s KL2 program provided me with the protected timeI needed to get my research career started.”
Alex K. Wong, MD, assistant professor of clinical surgery, Keck School of Medicine of USC, is now studying lymphedema, chronic swelling of the arms that often troubles patients who have had breast cancer surgery. He is investigating a molecule called 9-cis-retanoic acid for a new therapy designed to regenerate lymphatic vessels following surgery. He hopes his research will lead to better treatments that he and other surgeons can apply.
SC CTSI’s KL2 program provided a formal structure and dedicated time that I could never have created on my own. It has allowed me to connect with remarkable mentors and learn about study design, biostatistics, and other areas that have made me much more capable as a researcher.
Alex Wong, MD – Assistant professor of clinical surgery, Keck School of Medicine of USC