Table 4:

Suggestions for promoting surgeons’ pursuit of basic science

Set specific career goals with realistic timetables for completion When looking for a job, identify departments and institutions that have track records of supporting surgeons’ pursuit of basic science research Cultivate different mentors for different career areas Have regularly scheduled meetings between faculty and chairs/division chiefs to evaluate progress Learn to say no to outside activities that are not aligned with the faculty member’s research or clinical goals Chairs/division chiefs should be aware of non-research responsibilities and reassign as needed to ensure faculty have the time to focus on research Set up junior faculty members in their research mentor’s lab initially in a “post-doc” model Hire a full-time lab manager to keep research on track Utilize all available institutional resources (ex. Grant writing workshops, grant offices, non-clinical researchers associated with the institution, etc.) Apply for extramural funding early and often Have mentors and collaborators review all grants prior to submission, especially early on Include money to support early career faculty pursuing basic science research in the departmental budget Be cognizant that not everyone who wants to pursue basic science research will be successful and it is better to identify these individuals earlier rather than later