UW-GU Students Research with Providence Heart Institute Surgeons
The University of Washington-Gonzaga University (UW-GU) Health Partnership has launched the Heart Institute Scholars Program, a two-year, longitudinal experience that teams up medical school and undergraduate health sciences students with physicians to conduct cutting-edge cardiothoracic research.
The program, which kicked off in June, is a collaboration between the UW School of Medicine (UWSOM), Gonzaga University (GU) School of Health Sciences and the Providence Heart Institute. Scholars engage in a structured four-term sequence that includes clinical shadowing with Providence surgeons and intensive data analysis on a variety of projects.
"Through collaboration between UWSOM, GU, and Providence, the program aims to prepare students for highly competitive health care careers whil generating research with real-world translational potential," said Sarah Matousek, join UW-GU professor and research advisor. "This unique mentorship ladder accelerates professional development and fosters interdisciplinary teamwork to benefits students, faculty and the medical community."
UW School of Medicine and Gonzaga Health Sciences students observe surgeons at Providence Heart Institute using the DaVinci robot.
Following a foundational year where seven medical students piloted the program’s rigorous research and clinical framework, the initiative is significantly scaling its impact. This year, the cohort has 15 students, including 11 from the UWSOM, two undergraduates from GU’s School of Health Sciences – the first undergraduates to participate – and two medical students representing other schools in the region.
Christian Held, a GU graduate and first-year UWSOM student, is one of the scholars. “I hope to become immersed in the field, apply some of the knowledge I’ve gained over this past year and contribute toward innovations that will improve patients’ lives,” he said.
Held’s project investigates the safety and efficacy of Ion robotic bronchoscopy for biopsy of small potentially cancerous nodules that have traditionally been put into a “watch and wait” category due to the difficulty associated with their biopsy. “We're hoping to show that with improved efficacy and safety, this technology has the ability to effectively catch lung cancer earlier, allowing for better patient outcomes,” he added.
Students will present their findings this fall at a poster session. Matousek said she hopes another outcome is quality research that can be presented at major national conferences, such as the American Heart Association.
Providence cardiac physicians have been at the forefront of heart surgery innovation since they pioneered open-heart procedures in the 1950s. Since then, the Heart Institute has attracted leading surgeons to Spokane, allowing patients to receive treatments here rather than far away cities.
“This program reflects our deep commitment at Providence Heart Institute to growing our own by investing in local students and mentoring the next generation of clinicians and researchers right here in our community,” said Dr. Travis Hull, cardiothoracic surgeon at Providence Heart Institute. “By partnering with UW and Gonzaga, we’re creating hands-on opportunities that not only advance cutting-edge cardiothoracic research but also strengthen the future of care in the Inland Northwest. Ultimately, this work ensures that patients across our region benefit from homegrown talent dedicated to serving and improving the health of our community."
Julie Wolter, dean of Gonzaga University’s School of Health Sciences says the program
demonstrates commitment to community impact, part of a strategic vision for growth of the
health sciences. “It builds on our long partnership with Providence and advances our shared mission through the exceptional innovation and work of the Providence Heart Institute, creating rare opportunities for undergraduate and medical students to work side by side in applied research that directly improves health in our region.”
The University of Washington School of Medicine and Gonzaga University formed a partnership in 2016 to advance the health of communities throughout eastern Washington through medical education and research. With a legacy of graduating innovative, community-focused students, the partners leverage their strengths and serve as part of a regional, community-based medical education program, WWAMI (Washington [Seattle & Spokane], Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho).
The Providence Heart Institute is a leader in cardiovascular care, offering comprehensive services and cutting-edge research to patients across the region. As a nationally recognized center of excellence for heart and vascular care, it is known for providing patients with the highest quality care and treatment and the largest group of physicians in the region and more than 20 outpatient locations throughout the Inland Northwest.
Read a recent story in the Spokesman-Review