Research and surgical residency: moving beyond one-and-done projects and motivating for scholarly excellence

Abstract

Among surgical residents, research is often perceived as a check-mark exercise. Focus then turns to studying for exams and honing skills for independent practice. While some residents are passionate about research and enroll in other formalized training, pragmatists argue that not every surgeon should engage in research at this level. However, no resident should view research as a one-and-done activity. Rather, research should be viewed as an exercise to improve practice, share gaps in knowledge, collaborate, and empower others to formally study and implement change. The skills acquired during research experiences, at minimum, have value in improving the trainee's literature literacy, which in turn serves as a foundational element of continuing medical education. A culture supportive of scientific discovery, facilitated by both faculty and peer-to-peer mentorship, will result in better collaborative efforts and lead to improved knowledge generation and resident research satisfaction.