Research output of a cohort of orthopaedic consultants in Great Britain.

There has been renewed emphasis on research following the Calman recommendations for higher training. It is often considered essential for progression in training to have participated in research projects and to have some publications to one's credit. Orthopaedic surgery is usually thought to lag behind other disciplines in this respect. It was decided to conduct a review of the research output of a cohort of orthopaedic consultants in Great Britain to obtain baseline information for future comparisons. A group of surgeons who graduated at least 25 years ago was chosen as it was felt this would provide the pattern of research output throughout the surgical career of the cohort. The type of publication and the various factors that may affect research output were studied. There was a significant difference in the output of consultants working in teaching hospitals and large centres compared to those in district general hospitals. Is the soil as important as the seed?