Roadmap for Research and Scholarship in General Surgery Residency Training: Report of the Research Subcommittee of Blue Ribbon Committee II on Surgical Education and Training.

Abstract

Objective: To review the current state of research training during surgical residency and make recommendations commensurate with current surgical training and academic environment.

Background: Research training has been a mainstay of academic surgical programs, yet the scientific disciplines have evolved significantly from the traditional years of bench research. It is time to reconsider how research training should prepare surgeons for future academic practice and ensure the foundational knowledge of research evidence.

Methods: As part of the Blue Ribbon Committee II, a research subcommittee was tasked to make recommendations on research training during surgical residency. Our 8-member panel brought diverse perspectives on the roles and goals of research training. We also sought input from a convenience sample of current and recent surgical residents on the impact of research training during their residency.

Results: We identified a lack of a common framework and foundational research training for all surgical residents. Participation in dedicated years of scholarly activity helped trainees meet several professional and personal goals. The lack of an integrated, dedicated research track may dissuade some medical school graduates from pursuing surgery.

Conclusions: We recommend incorporating a minimum standard for all trainees and flexibility in dedicated scholarly training to meet the needs of future academic surgeons.