Training surgeon scientists

Beginning in 1995, College research resources were orientated towards the support and training of surgeon scientists. A questionnaire was sent to recipients of College awards in order to gauge a measure of outcome of this policy. Although it is early days, a significantly high number of awardees have either completed or are completing research degrees. There has been a successful allocation of National Health and Medical Research Council funding to the College surgeon scientists and a large number are already in academic positions. A significant number of publications have resulted from the College-funded research. At this early stage, the programme for creating surgeon scientists appears to be on track.