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Progress in the field of surgery and its specialties depends on persistent effort in research and development, especially as the work force increases and the disciplines are encroached upon and restricted. The present efforts in research and development are hampered principally because few bright young students and residents select careers in research. The financial return and job security are lower than in the private sector, and few students are exposed to the stimulation and rewards of the laboratory. To have investigators who will actively advance the field, the surgeon must make the research career more attractive and assume the responsibility of recruitment and direction. Working as a role model, side by side with student or resident, the surgeons may hope to transfer their interests to them so that they keep the fields of surgery growing.