Formal research training during surgical residency: scaffolding for academic success

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to determine the impact of a formal surgical research program (leading to a postgraduate degree) during residency, on future research productivity.MethodsWe surveyed all North American graduates of the McGill University general surgery residency program between 1987 and 2005. The survey included questions on research involvement before, during, and after general surgery residency. This was combined with a literature search revealing all research publications of the participants. Outcomes were the yearly average of publications and awarded funding as faculty members.ResultsSeventy-five of 119 graduates (63%) responded. Staff physicians who had participated in formal research programs during residency (n = 35), compared with those who had not (n = 40), produced more publications per year (2.8 ± 2.3 vs 1.1 ± 1.2, P < .01) and had greater funding success (81% vs 55%, P = .03).ConclusionsResidents who had participated in formal research programs during residency were more likely to have greater academic success.