Session Design Submission Review

No

Research training for surgical residents is considered to be essential by the RRC but currently has wide variation in how it is achieved.  In addition, funds for research and professional development time are under intense pressure as resources have been constrained.   This panel proposes to explore how research training can be maintained and perhaps even elevated for surgical trainees.  The panel intends to address 3 topics:

1. Standardizing the level of research training acquisition using the EPA framework.

• How can the EPA framework be adapted to research training?
• Should there be standardization of research training for all surgery residents and how does this get incorporated into training for those residents who do not do have protected research or professional development time?

• 2. Establishing pilot programs for surgeon scientists.

• What do physician scientist training programs look like?
• Can this be incorporated into surgical training?
• What are the expected barriers to a Surgical Scientist Training Program?

• 3. Discussing the future of funding professional development time during residency.

• How are research/professional development years during residency currently funded?
• Are current paradigms changing in a time of restricted resources?
• How can programs incorporate professional development time into a residency curriculum if there is no dedicated research time?

Plan would be for a 60 minute panel.

Develop EPA guidelines for research training for surgical residents

Understand the rationale and structure of a possible Surgical Scientist Training Program

Evaluate current limitations to research training for surgical residents.