“Insights into Academic Surgery: A Survey of Trainees and Practicing Surgeons”

Landscape of academic surgery is full of challenges and opportunities that vary greatly across different institutions and professional stages. Studies addressing these issues are scarce in Indian academic surgery. We conducted this survey among the surgical trainees and practicing surgeons in India to gather their perspectives. A multiple choices pattern web-based cross-sectional Google forms quantitative questionnaire was developed which focused on demographics of respondent, and their thoughts about barriers and facilitators in academic surgery. A total of 801 surgeons responded to the survey. Majority of responders considered academic surgery as fraught with several barriers which include the difficult funding environment, excessive clinical demands, and a lack of mentorship in academics. The suggested solutions included dedicated research period within the resident training engaging more closely with appropriate mentors, inculcating “team” research and easier funding support. Our survey reveals critical insights into the current landscape, challenges, and opportunities in academic surgery. We also suggest targeted interventions which can enhance the academic environment for surgical trainees and practicing surgeons.