AB95. 122. Role of research in surgical training: productivity of current trainees in Ireland

Background: Research and analytical skills are considered an important milestone for career progression and are assessed at all stages from basic surgical training (BST) through to certification of completion of surgical training (CCST). The role of academia in modern surgical training is the subject of on-going debate. The aim of the current study was to assess the academic output of current higher general surgical trainees.

Methods: A combined literature search was used to identify articles published in peer-reviewed journals over a 10-year period [2008–2017] by current trainees in general surgery from ST3 to ST8. Publications were identified by author and submission from an affiliated institution. Academic output was quantified by number of publications, type of publication and the author’s h-index. Possession of or enrolment in a postgraduate degree programme allied to formal surgical research was included.

Results: A total of 54 trainees from ST3–ST8 were included in the study (20 F, 34 M). Mean number of publications for the entire group was 18.2, with a range 1–88. The highest h-index score achieved was 12. Publication output peaked between ST6–ST8. Twenty-one (39%) of trainees have completed or are enrolled in a postgraduate surgical degree (MCh =7, MD =7, PhD =7). An additional 4 trainees are applying to conduct laboratory research in July 2018.

Conclusions: These data clearly indicate that current trainees in general surgery in Ireland continue to actively engage in surgical research. There also remains a significant career interest in laboratory research and the attainment of a postgraduate qualification.

Keywords: Research; surgical training; higher specialist training; general surgery; publications