Surgeons have always engaged in various forms of high-quality cancer research to optimize patient outcomes. Over the past decade, however, concerns have been raised regarding a global decline in the number of surgeons performing basic science research alongside clinical activity (also referred to as surgeon scientists). The article, therefore, highlights the obstacles faced by a practicing oncologist when trying to get engaged in research, while also suggesting a possible practical solution to the problem.
Since the time of William Stewart Halsted, surgeons have had a strong history of driving research to not only improve the clinical management of cancer but also provide insight into the fundamental biology of the disease. This drive of surgeons is often hindered by what has been called the “triple threat” of academic medicine: clinician, researcher, and teacher. These threats can be…
