Research in Surgical Education

Patient care, teaching, and research are the traditional functions of an academic unit. Of these, education has long been the orphan child of academic surgery, receiving less prestige and support from the department than other areas. Recently, however, departments of surgery have begun to recognize the role of educational research and leadership in the development and maintenance of a dynamic, well-rounded department. Progressive departments have directed energy and resources toward the enhancement of educational practice, leading to the emergence of a formal role for the surgeon-educator and the practicing surgeon with a scientific approach to the teaching and learning process.