J. P. Meizoso1,2, J. J. Ray1,2, C. A. Karcutskie1,2, D. B. Horkan1,2, N. Merchant1, D. Sleeman1, N. Namias1, O. C. Velazquez1, A. S. Livingstone1, C. I. Schulman1 1University Of Miami,DeWitt Daughtry Family Department Of Surgery,Miami, FL, USA 2Jackson Memorial Hospital,Miami, FL, USA
Introduction: Dr. Francis Moore described the surgeon-scientist as a “bridge tender, channeling knowledge from biological science to the patient’s bedside and back again.” Dedicating 1+ years of research training during residency is unique to general surgery; however, prior studies conflict regarding the effect of research fellowships (RF) on future academic productivity. We hypothesize that participating in a RF during training is associated with successful future research funding.
Methods: National cross-sectional survey distributed via ACS NewsScope, ACS Communities, and social media from 11/2015–12/2015. Ninety-one subjects (47%) of 195 respondents were faculty and made up the study sample; the remainder were residents and were ineligible for the present study. Results were considered statistically significant at p≤0.05.
Results: Most subjects were male (79%) and trained at an academic program (84%). Of the entire cohort, 54 subjects (59%) completed a RF during training and 58 (64%) successfully attained research funding as faculty. 50% completed 2 years of research, 35% completed 1 year, 11% completed 3 years, and 4% completed 4+ years. RF was associated with training in an academic program (93% vs. 70%, p=0.033); more overall publications (<0.0001), 1st author publications (p=0.001), and presentations (p=0.002) during residency; pursuing funding during training (54% vs. 5%, p<0.0001); and funding success after training compared with to those without a RF (78% vs. 43%, p=0.001) (Table). After controlling for these differences, completing a RF was an independent predictor of post-training funding success (OR 4.04, 95% CI 1.12-14.55, p=0.033).
Conclusion: Dedicated research time during surgical training is associated with future academic productivity and funding success after training independent of number of publications, first author publications, presentations, and pursuit of funding during training.
