title: Why should I do research? Is it a waste of time?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To answer the questions 'Why should I do research? Is it a waste of time?' and present relevant issues.
  
  
  METHODS
  Medline was used to identify relevant articles published from 2000 to 2013, using the following keywords 'medicine', 'research', 'purpose', 'study', 'trial', 'urology'.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Research is the most important activity to achieve scientific progress. Although it is an easy process on a theoretical basis, practically it is a laborious process, and full commitment and dedication are of paramount importance. Currently, given that the financial crisis has a key influence in daily practice, the need to stress the real purpose of research is crucial.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Research is necessary and not a waste of time. Efforts to improving medical knowledge should be continuous.
authors.affiliation: 2nd Department of Surgery, Aretaieion Hospital, University of Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Athanasios
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dellis
authors.affiliation: 2nd Department of Urology, Sismanogleion Hospital, University of Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Skolarikos
authors.affiliation: 2nd Department of Urology, Sismanogleion Hospital, University of Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Athanasios G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Papatsoris
keywords: LoE, level of evidence; Purpose; R&D, research and development; RCT, randomised clinical trials; Research; Study; Trial; Urology