Introduction: Research is a vital component in the advancements of surgical sciences due to the reliance of treatment options on innovations and outcomes of patient care. This study aimed to identify research pathways, opportunities, and academic productivities of different general surgery residency programs in the United States.
Materials and methods: A web-based review was conducted concerning accredited US general surgery residency programs. Each program's official website was assessed for the availability of research year, compulsory status, duration, type, structure, and location. The study also identified faculty supervision, research day, funding, output, and opportunities to obtain an advanced degree.
Results: Data were collected from all 313 general surgery programs in the United States, out of which 127 (41%) offered a dedicated research year to their residents. The research year was deemed mandatory in 27 programs (8%) and optional in 100 programs (32%). Seventy-two programs (23%) offered to start the dedicated research year after postgraduate year 2 or postgraduate year 3. Twenty-two programs (7.02%) provided examples of resident publications and presentations. Resident research day was cited by 42 programs (13.41%). On campus research opportunity was mentioned by nine programs (2.8%), while the off campus chance was provided by 10 programs (3.19%). Furthermore, 36 programs (11.5%) demonstrated potential funding sources. Finally, 38 (12.14%) programs mentioned receiving advanced degrees after the research year.
Conclusions: Although dedicated research time is provided to trainees for some research programs, there is a lack of structure and the need to expand the available content and information regarding research opportunities for the various general surgery residency programs.
Keywords: Research sabbatical; Research year; Surgeon scientist; Surgical education.
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