Kevin J Zuo1, Ying Meng2, Lauren Gordon3, Tomas J Saun1, Amine Mazine4, Christopher S Ahuja2, Nir Lipsman5, James T Rutka6, Michael G Fehlings7. 1. Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 2. Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 3. Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; International Centre for Surgical Safety, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 4. Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 5. Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 6. Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Cell Biology, SickKids Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 7. Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Spinal Program, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Electronic address: Michael.Fehlings@uhn.ca.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: To preserve the future of surgical innovation, opportunities for surgical residents to receive structured research training are paramount. The objective of this article is to help surgical residents navigate a research fellowship by overviewing key topics such as choosing an area of focus and supervisor, applying for external funding, transitioning away from clinical duties, managing intellectual property, integrating family planning, and incorporating research experience into independent career development. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using the framework of the University of Toronto's graduate degree-awarding Surgeon-Scientist Training Program, the authors outline key considerations, decisions, and pearls for surgical residents considering or currently enrolled in a full-time research fellowship training program. RESULTS: Full-time research fellowships offer a unique opportunity for residents interested in an academic career. Such full-time research fellowships away from clinical duties allow surgical trainees to focus on developing key research competencies, including how to generate hypotheses, apply research methodology, gain experience presenting and publishing manuscripts, and ultimately apply these skills as independent investigators to improve patient and population health. Research fellowships may also be an opportunity to develop intellectual property or facilitate family planning. Practical tips are provided for the transition back into clinical training and how to effectively market one's research skills for career advancement. CONCLUSIONS: The authors outline key considerations, decisions, and pearls for surgical residents considering or currently enrolled in a full-time research fellowship training program. By adhering to the principles highlighted in this article, residents will be able to successfully navigate a full-time research fellowship to optimize their intellectual development, maximize their academic productivity, and facilitate their transition into an independent investigator.
BACKGROUND: To preserve the future of surgical innovation, opportunities for surgical residents to receive structured research training are paramount. The objective of this article is to help surgical residents navigate a research fellowship by overviewing key topics such as choosing an area of focus and supervisor, applying for external funding, transitioning away from clinical duties, managing intellectual property, integrating family planning, and incorporating research experience into independent career development. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using the framework of the University of Toronto's graduate degree-awarding Surgeon-Scientist Training Program, the authors outline key considerations, decisions, and pearls for surgical residents considering or currently enrolled in a full-time research fellowship training program. RESULTS: Full-time research fellowships offer a unique opportunity for residents interested in an academic career. Such full-time research fellowships away from clinical duties allow surgical trainees to focus on developing key research competencies, including how to generate hypotheses, apply research methodology, gain experience presenting and publishing manuscripts, and ultimately apply these skills as independent investigators to improve patient and population health. Research fellowships may also be an opportunity to develop intellectual property or facilitate family planning. Practical tips are provided for the transition back into clinical training and how to effectively market one's research skills for career advancement. CONCLUSIONS: The authors outline key considerations, decisions, and pearls for surgical residents considering or currently enrolled in a full-time research fellowship training program. By adhering to the principles highlighted in this article, residents will be able to successfully navigate a full-time research fellowship to optimize their intellectual development, maximize their academic productivity, and facilitate their transition into an independent investigator.
Authors: Robin McLeod; Shaf Keshavjee; Najma Ahmed; Robin Richards; Michael G Fehlings; Avery Nathens; Ori D Rotstein; James T Rutka Journal: Can J Surg Date: 2022-02-03 Impact factor: 2.089