Factors contributing to success in surgical education research.
BACKGROUND
Surgeons who have demonstrated excellence through extensive publication in the medical education literature can provide valuable guidance for new surgeons interested in educational research.


METHODS
National databases identified members of the Association for Surgical Education (ASE) who have accumulated the greatest number of peer-reviewed, original educational research publications. The top 15 surgeons completed an open-ended survey exploring surgical education research issues.


RESULTS
The top three factors contributing to success in this field were (1) chair support, (2) collaboration with peers and mentors, and (3) participation in the ASE. The top three barriers were (1) perception at their institution of educational research as lacking credibility, (2) lack of adequate funding, and (3) lack of time. Eighty-five percent (11 of 13) reported having tenure or equivalent, of which 45% reported educational research as playing a significant role. All respondents advised formal training in education.


CONCLUSIONS
Credibility of educational research is bolstered by quality research and a supportive chair. Scholarly work in this field can form the basis for an academic career.
Dutta
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Department of Surgery, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois 62794-9638, USA.
Dunnington
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D000124:Achievement; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D019992:Databases as Topic; D013502:General Surgery / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008611:Mentors; D011643:Publishing; D012106:Research; D012109:Research Support as Topic; D012955:Societies, Medical; D013192:Staff Development; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors