Transforming the Future of Surgeon-Scientists

Area of Science:

• Surgical research and innovation
• Academic medicine
• Scientific career development

Background:

• Surgeon-scientists drive medical advancements but face significant challenges.
• Lack of institutional support and clinical pressures hinder surgeon-scientist productivity.
• Time constraints from surgical training and practice impede research endeavors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a strategic blueprint for optimizing support for surgeon-scientists.
• To guide leaders in surgical departments, academic institutions, and funding agencies.
• To ensure the sustainability of scientific contributions from surgeons.

Main Methods:

• Convened an American Surgical Association Research Sustainability Task Force.
• Conducted meetings with leaders from NIH-sponsored surgery departments.
• Utilized a SWOT analysis and focused workgroups on key stakeholder roles.

Main Results:

• Recommendations for surgeons: cultivate growth mindset, develop essential skills, and embrace team science.
• Departmental support strategies: enhance mentorship, ensure financial sustainability, and provide structural/strategic resources.
• Institutional and funding agency roles: provide foundational support, nurture careers, set clear expectations, and adapt funding paradigms.

Conclusions:

• Sustained commitment and strategic actions from all stakeholders are crucial.
• Optimizing support for surgeon-scientists is essential for advancing medical science.
• Intentional collaboration is needed to overcome challenges and foster research excellence.