Research is a uniquely important part of academic medicine, as new developments with practice-changing findings take place frequently in the field of plastic surgery. Research is an aspect of Dr. Macadam’s practice to which she keenly devotes 20% of her time.
Dr. Macadam’s passion for research grew during her time at Harvard University, where she obtained a Masters in Research Design. Throughout her career, Dr. Macadam has conducted meaningful research; most recently, she was the supervisor and senior author on a research paper entitled, “Effects of Nitroglycerin Ointment on Mastectomy Flap Necrosis in Immediate Breast Reconstruction: A Randomized Controlled Trial”. This paper was published in the prestigious journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and presents Level 1 evidence (this means the results are evidence-based, grounded in sound scientific research, and yield strong clinical recommendations).
In brief, this research study has found a cheap and efficacious solution (Nitroglycerin ointment) to the problem of mastectomy flap necrosis (skin death that can happen at the time of mastectomy). Dr. Macadam and other surgeons are now using this ointment routinely at the time of mastectomy and reconstruction to prevent skin death that can compromise the results following surgery.
Stay tuned over the coming weeks to learn more about other research initiatives Dr. Macadam is involved with.
