title: The Trauma Research Associates Program (T-RAP) for undergraduate students: shaping future academic surgeons.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Offering undergraduate students research opportunities may enhance their interest in pursuing a surgical career and lead to increased academic productivity. We characterize the benefits of participating in the Trauma Research Associates Program.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 19-point Web-based survey.
  
  
  METHODS
  Academic Level I Trauma Center.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 29 active and former members of the Trauma Research Associates Program.
  
  
  METHODS
  Academic activities and predictors associated with interest in a surgical career and research productivity.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Surveys were completed on 26 of 29 (90%) participants. Clinical experience was the most highly ranked motivation to join the program (65%), followed by pursuing a research experience (46%). During their involvement, 73% of participants observed surgical intensive care unit rounds, 65% observed acute care surgery rounds, and 35% observed a surgical procedure in the operating room. In addition, 46% submitted at least one abstract to a surgical meeting coauthored with the Division's faculty. Furthermore, 58% reported that they enrolled in a medical school, whereas 17% pursued a full-time research job. The program influenced the interest in a surgical career in 39% of all members, and 73% reported that they would incorporate research in their medical career. Observing a surgical procedure was independently associated with development of a high interest in a surgical career (adjusted odds ratio: 6.50; 95% CI: 1.09, 38.63; p = 0.04), whereas volunteering for more than 15 hours per week predicted submission of at least 1 abstract to a surgical conference by the participant (adjusted odds ratio: 13.00; 95% CI: 1.27, 133.29; p = 0.03).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Development of a structured research program for undergraduate students is beneficial to both the participants and sponsoring institution. Undergraduate exposure to academic surgery enhances interest in pursuing a surgical specialty and leads to academic productivity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California.
authors.forename: Galinos
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Barmparas
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California.
authors.forename: Nicole
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Fierro
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California.
authors.forename: Debora
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California.
authors.forename: Beatrice J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California. Electronic address: Eric.Ley@cshs.org.
authors.forename: Eric J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Ley
mesh_terms: D000046:Academic Medical Centers; D000328:Adult; D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000193:education* / Q000639:trends*; D002140:California; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies / Q000379:methods; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D015397:Program Evaluation; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D066231:Surgeons / Q000193:education*; D014193:Trauma Centers; D014947:Wounds and Injuries
keywords: Interpersonal and Communication Skills; Practice-Based Learning and Improvement; Systems-Based Practice; academics; research; shortage; student; surgical career; undergraduate; volunteer