Impact of Surgeon-Scientist Institutional Transitions on Funding Progression

To evaluate the impact of institutional transitions on the progression of surgeon-scientists from National Institute of Health (NIH) career development K grants to independent research R grants.

It is unknown whether institutional transitions of surgeon-scientists impacts the likelihood of subsequent independent NIH research funding.

A retrospective cohort study utilizing NIH RePORTER data was conducted to evaluate surgeon-scientists who obtained K grants (K08/K23) between 2000 and 2019 and subsequent R grants (R01/R21/R35) between 2000 and 2023. Sponsoring institutions were categorized as low-, mid-, or upper-tertile based on NIH funding rankings. The association between institutional transitions and other individual and institutional variables with K to R grant progression was evaluated using multivariate analysis.

A total of 265 surgeon-scientists with new K grants were identified, with 109 (41.1%) subsequently obtaining R grants. Of all new K and R grants, 262 (98%) and 109 (100%) were awarded at top-tertile institutions, respectively. On multivariable analysis, institutional transitions did not impact future first R grant funding (both P>0.05), however, prior F grant awards and advanced secondary degrees, particularly PhD, were associated with future receipt of an R grant (both P<0.05).

The sponsoring institution plays a significant role in surgeon-scientists research funding. Institutional transitions during career development do not appear to impact the progression to a first R grant. However, prior formal, dedicated research training and completion of secondary degree programs is positively correlated with R grant funding. This may be important for junior surgeon-scientists to recognize in order to increase their likelihood of successful research funding.