PURPOSE: Research is educationally important for surgical residents. However, little information exists regarding effective methods for teaching residents scientific methodology in a community hospital. This effort describes an effective program conducted in a community hospital for enhancing scientific opportunities of surgical residents. METHODS: A strong infrastructure that supports research is necessary. Dedicated nonsalaried teaching faculty serve as mentors and co-investigators. Opportunities to engage in basic research are made available in off-campus basic science laboratories. RESULTS: Research productivity has been prolific, as demonstrated by numerous publications. Residents interested in sub-speciality training have been able to conduct research that has made them competitive for fellowships and a wider range of practice choices. CONCLUSION: Rigorous research can be effectively taught in a community hospital, provided adequate educational and funding support is provided and faculty actively mentor residents. Having research capabilities provides added incentive for better-qualified medical students to apply to a surgical residency position in a community hospital. Research productivity also enhances the ability to better recruit new faculty.
PURPOSE: Research is educationally important for surgical residents. However, little information exists regarding effective methods for teaching residents scientific methodology in a community hospital. This effort describes an effective program conducted in a community hospital for enhancing scientific opportunities of surgical residents. METHODS: A strong infrastructure that supports research is necessary. Dedicated nonsalaried teaching faculty serve as mentors and co-investigators. Opportunities to engage in basic research are made available in off-campus basic science laboratories. RESULTS: Research productivity has been prolific, as demonstrated by numerous publications. Residents interested in sub-speciality training have been able to conduct research that has made them competitive for fellowships and a wider range of practice choices. CONCLUSION: Rigorous research can be effectively taught in a community hospital, provided adequate educational and funding support is provided and faculty actively mentor residents. Having research capabilities provides added incentive for better-qualified medical students to apply to a surgical residency position in a community hospital. Research productivity also enhances the ability to better recruit new faculty.