Basic science career development.

t t t linician scientists are rare and surgical clinician scientists re even rarer. The number of MDs (compared with MD/PhDs nd PhDs) as first-time applicants for National Institutes of ealth (NIH) research project grant support has plummeted. If his progression continues, there will be no first-time MD pplicants [1]. This trend is ongoing in the midst of a biotechology revolution in which the bridge between bench and edside needs to be strengthened. Clinician scientists are in unique position to communicate and collaborate with PhD cientists and with clinical colleagues. This potential extinction of clinician scientists also eans a tremendous opportunity exists for young surgeons. here will be fewer persons seeking funding for their reearch at a time when research dollars are increasing. To be uccessful in this endeavor, you need to decide clearly if this s the track in which you are interested. It is not an easy oute to follow and requires an organized, focused, and otivated person. Therefore, the first major question is, are ou sure you want to do this? Second, success requires a supportive environment (Table 1). he support must come first and foremost from the Surgical epartment. It must be clear that the Chairperson and Diision Chief support you in becoming a clinician scientist. he support of your clinical colleagues also is necessary Table 2). Without this internal support, it will be nearly mpossible to succeed. Third, success requires a rich research environment and entor. Junior faculty with identified mentors tend to pubish more articles, have better employment opportunities, eel more confident about their capabilities, and are more atisfied with their careers [2]. The mentor should be a enior and respected person who can serve as counselor, heerleader, and a source of wisdom and resources. Make ure your mentor has a track record of mentoring others. he mentor also should have sufficient grant support for heir own research effort, and be sufficiently established to