Duke Surgery Ranks #1 in NIH Funding for Second Year in a Row

For a second year in a row, the Duke Department of Surgery ranks #1 among U.S. medical school surgery departments in funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), as reported by the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research (BRIMR). 

Duke Surgery received more than $44.9 million in NIH funding in 2022. The Duke School of Medicine ranks #9 in NIH funding among U.S. academic medical institutions.

"I'm so happy to see Duke Surgery continue to lead the way nationally in the surgical research mission," says Chair of the Department of Surgery, Allan D. Kirk, MD, PhD. "The breadth and depth of the science being conducted by our faculty is truly impressive, literally spanning from atomic resolution of viral antigens to population health science. Having this extraordinary scientific progress within a department that also boasts nation-leading clinical programs and exceptional resident education underscores why being at Duke is such a pleasure."

Shelley Hwang, MD, MPH, Vice Chair of Research for the Department of Surgery, says, "Research is a team sport, and this is true testament to the strength, commitment, and talent of every individual that contributes to Duke Surgery Research. A deep thanks to this incredible team of scientists, grant managers, clinical research assistants, research administrators, and most of all our patients who partner with us to advance science."

Additionally, four department members ranked in the top ten highest funded principal investigators among surgery departments:

#2: Priyamvada Acharya, MS, PhD
Associate Professor in Surgery
Division of Surgical Sciences

#4: Georgia Tomaras, PhD
Professor in Surgery and Division Chief
Division of Surgical Sciences

#5: Wilton B. Williams, PhD
Associate Professor in Surgery
Division of Surgical Sciences

#10: Kevin Saunders, PhD
Associate Professor in Surgery
Division of Surgical Sciences