Evaluating the Surgical Scientist Program: An examination of the satisfaction and careers of research trainees

Programs have been implemented to provide clinicians with research training. This study sought (1) to describe a research training experience from the trainees' perspective and to assess their satisfaction with it; and, (2) to compare the careers of the graduates (SSPPs) of one program with those of research trainees (SSPNPs) who did not participate in it.;Two questionnaires were developed using focused interviews. These questionnaires were mailed to 269 clinicians and the results for the SSPPs and SSPNPs compared.;Overall response rates of 61.7% (N = 166) for the questionnaire addressing satisfaction and 55.8% (N = 110) for the questionnaire examining graduates' careers were achieved. Trainees reported being satisfied with their research training experience. Suggestions are provided for improvements in the delivery of the program. SSPPs did not differ significantly from SSPNPs on three career indicators (publications, presentations, funding). SSPNPs moved more quickly through academics ranks than did SSPPs in their current institution.