Achieving Effective Data Analysis and Research

Surgeon-scientists are uniquely positioned to provide highly specialized and innovative solutions to complex problems in healthcare as they stand at a critical crossroad between clinical patient interactions and the basic science laboratory. Establishing a successful academic research career depends on multiple factors, such as negotiating a supportive “start-up” package, identifying laboratory space and appropriate collaborators, building a research team, and securing research funding. Surgeon-scientists need to develop skills and knowledge in the areas of team building, grant writing, research design, database management, statistical analysis, and manuscript writing. Additionally, surgeon-scientists should consider mentoring the next generation of surgical trainees to support and maintain surgeon-led research despite an ever-changing and challenging healthcare landscape.