At the Department of General Surgery at Carolinas Medical Center, research experience is a crucial part of residency training - teaching residents to critically evaluate the surgical literature, their surgical practice, and patient outcomes. In addition, research experience is an important component in fellowship applicant selection. Residents who plan careers in academic surgery and fellowship training following General Surgery Residency benefit greatly by additional training in research.

General Surgery residents are expected to complete a clinical or basic science research project as a part of their residency and submit the project for publication before the end of their residency. Residents are strongly encouraged to present their research at a regional or national meeting. Resident projects must be faculty sponsored and approved by the department chairman and director of general surgery research. Residents are encouraged to participate in projects which are part of ongoing faculty research. Original meritorious ideas are also encouraged. Funding is available for qualified projects.

One of the three categorical PGY-1 General Surgery residents with demonstrated ability and interest in research will be given the opportunity for a one-year research fellowship. The research year will follow the PGY-2 year. Additional research training is available to qualified residents at the discretion of the department chairman and director of research.

The major focus of the research year is an in-depth study of a specific problem or question, which may involve both clinical and bench research studies. Residents may participate in other projects during this time; however, the major focus is one specific study. The research resident is required to present updates on his/her research project, present findings of literature reviews and information related to the project, and participate in the critical evaluation of other projects. The research resident is expected to develop an in-depth knowledge of his/her field of endeavor and become an authority in that area.

Since the resident's major focus is research, clinical experience is not emphasized during the research year. However, to remain in touch with other residents on a clinical service and to remain current in the clinical arena, the research resident is required to attend weekly Basic Science Conference and Morbidity & Mortality/QI Conference. Attendance and participation may be required for other conferences at the discretion of the department chairman, director of research, or faculty advisor.