The outcome of research training during surgical residency.

Background/purpose: The exposure to research during residency is currently an integral part of most academic surgical training programs. In this study, graduates of two surgical programs were surveyed to characterize their research experience and to determine the effects on their careers.
Methods: Between 1975 and 1990, 86 and 61 residents completed general surgical training programs at UCLA Medical Center and at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, respectively. An anonymous survey was sent to each graduate regarding his research experience and current practice.
Results: Of the graduates who spent 2 years in research, 47% now hold academic positions, compared with 23% for those who spent less than 2 years (P = .18). When the graduates were segregated according to their desire to enter the laboratory, 49% of graduates who requested research time hold academic positions, whereas only 13% of those who would not request research are in academic positions (P = .01).
Conclusions: Residents who strongly desire a period of research during surgical residency are also more productive in the laboratory. This information should be considered in selecting residents for research training in the current era of academic budget restriction and managed health care.