Canadian research fellowship training programs in digestive sciences: achievements and challenges

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology and Digestive Sciences
• Medical Education and Training
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Canadian Association of Gastroenterology (CAG) supports investigator development.
• Research fellowship funding evolved after 1986, with increased industry and CAG support.
• Peer-reviewed operating grants (OGs) faced funding constraints.

Purpose of the Study:

• Evaluate the success of Canadian research fellowships in developing career investigators.
• Identify factors influencing training outcomes for gastroenterology researchers.
• Assess the impact of CAG and Medical Research Council (MRC) fellowships.

Main Methods:

• Reviewed MRC records and CAG meeting minutes for fellowship data (1986-1997).
• Surveyed program directors to identify research fellows.
• Administered a 7-page questionnaire to trainees on demographics, training, and outcomes.

Main Results:

• 81% of respondents obtained academic appointments; longer fellowships and MRC funding correlated with higher success.
• 63% of eligible trainees secured operating grants (OGs).
• Trainees highly valued the fellowship experience (85%).

Conclusions:

• CAG and other fellowships successfully foster career investigators in digestive sciences.
• Fellowship programs are effective, requiring no major revisions.
• Operating grant (OG) support for new investigators appears to be lagging.