Faculty Collaboration Database

Research interests and funding of members of the American Pediatric Surgical Association: report from 2010 American Pediatric Surgical Association Outcomes and Clinical Trials Committee. J Pediatr Surg 2010 Oct;45(10):1983-8

Date

10/06/2010

Pubmed ID

20920716

DOI

10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2010.05.012

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-77957785456 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   5 Citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: There is lack of data relating to the research interests and funding of pediatric surgeons within the United States and Canada. These data may be helpful in promoting basic and clinical research among pediatric surgeons.

METHODS: The American Pediatric Surgical Association (APSA) Outcomes and Clinical Trials Committee developed and administered an online survey via e-mail to the APSA membership to help characterize research activities and funding. The survey was available for completion during December of 2009. The survey contained 10 items with a drop-down menu for multiple choice answers and required 5 to 10 minutes to complete. Results based on research interests as well as funding sources were compiled and analyzed.

RESULTS: A total of 275 members, which comprises 27.4% of the APSA membership, completed the survey. Of the respondents, 177 (64%) described being in an academic practice, 44 (16%) in an academically associated private practice, 9 (3.3%) in a private solo practice, 17 (6.2%) in private group practice, and 3 (1%) in the military. A total of 189 (68.7%) respondents stated that they participated in formal research. Respondents also categorized their research interests, and the following were the most common subjects of study (decreasing order of frequency): appendicitis, trauma and critical care, outcomes, minimally invasive surgery, and congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Of those participating in research, 64.5% stated that they have no formal financial support. Of those supported through the National Institutes of Health, funding grants achieved were as follows: R01 (n = 29), K08 (n = 9), K23 (n = 2), and U01 (n = 8).

CONCLUSIONS: Research activities are common among APSA members and encompass a wide range of pediatric surgery topics. Strikingly, the overall financial support of these efforts is limited, predominantly supported by the surgeons themselves. Funded respondents attained grants through Public Health Service grants, departmental grants, or private institutions.

Author List

Arca MJ, Teitelbaum DH, St Peter SD, Cowles R, Aspelund G, Cassidy LD, Barnhart D, Abdullah F

Author

Laura Cassidy PhD Associate Dean, Professor in the Institute for Health and Equity department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adult
Biomedical Research
Canada
Committee Membership
Data Collection
Electronic Mail
Female
Financial Support
Foundations
General Surgery
Humans
Male
National Institutes of Health (U.S.)
Pediatrics
Research
Research Support as Topic
Societies, Medical
Surveys and Questionnaires
United States
United States Public Health Service