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Purpose: To measure the research productivity of trainees from the University of Toronto's Medical Imaging Clinician Investigator Program (MI-CIP) and comparing it with the research productivity of trainees from MI-non-CIP and General Surgery (GSx) Clinician Investigator Program. Methods: We identified residents who completed an MI-CIP, MI-non-CIP and GSx-CIP from 2006-2016. In each group of trainees, we assessed 3 research productivity outcomes with non-parametric tests before residency and at 7 years post-CIP completion/post-graduation. Research productivity outcomes include the number of total publications, the number of first-author publications, and the publication's average journal impact factor (IF). Results: We identified 11 MI-CIP trainees (male/female: 9 [82%]/2 [18%]), 74 MI-non-CIP trainees (46 [62%]/28 [38%]) and 41 GSx-CIP trainees (23 [56%]/18 [44%]). MI-CIP trainees had statistically significant higher research productivity than MI-non-CIP in all measured outcomes. The median (interquartile range, IQR) number of total publications of MI-CIP vs MI-non-CIP trainees was 5.0 (8.0) vs 1.0 (2.0) before residency and 6.0 (10.0) vs .0 (2.0) at 7 years post-CIP completion/post-graduation. The median (IQR) first-author publications of MI-CIP vs MI-non-CIP trainees was 2.0 (3.0) vs .0 (1.0) before residency and 2.0 (4.0) vs (.0) (1.0) at 7 years post-CIP completion/post-graduation. The median (IQR) average journal IF of MI-CIP vs MI-non-CIP trainees was 3.2 (2.0) vs .3 (2.4) before residency and 3.9 (3.2) vs .0 (2.6) at 7 years post-CIP completion/post-graduation. Between MI-CIP and GSx-CIP trainees, there were no significant differences in research productivity in all measured outcomes. Conclusion: MI-CIP trainees actively conducted research after graduation. These trainees demonstrated early research engagement before residency. The similar research productivity of MI-CIP vs GSx-CIP trainees shows initial success of MI-CIP trainees.

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The 2022 Annual Joint Meeting (AJM) and Young Investigators' Forum of the Canadian Society for Clinical Investigation / Société Canadienne de recherches clinique (CSCI/SCRC) and Clinician Investigator Trainee Association of Canada/Association des cliniciens-chercheurs en formation du Canada (CITAC/ACCFC) was held in Montréal, November 13-14, 2022. The theme of this year's AJM was "Strength in Perseverance" and focused on highlighting clinician-investigator trainee achievements and resilience in research engagement through recent challenging and unprecedented times. The opening remarks were given by Nicola Jones (president of CSCI/SCRC) and Heather Whittaker (past president of CITAC/ACCFC). The keynote speaker was Dr. Michael Strong, who delivered the presentation "The Future of Clinician Scientists in Canada." Dr. Caroline Quach (Université de Montréal) received the CSCI Distinguished Scientist Award and Dr. Amy Metcalfe (University of Calgary) received the CSCI Joe Doupe Young Investigator Award. Each of the clinician-scientists delivered presentations on their award-winning research. The four interactive workshops included "Social Media in Science and Medicine," "Diversity in Science and Medicine," "Running a Successful Research Program," and "Mentorship in Action." The AJM also included presentations from clinician investigator trainees from across the country. Over 90 abstracts were showcased at this year's meeting, most of which are summarized in this review. Six outstanding abstracts were selected for oral presentations during the President's Forum.

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BACKGROUND: Graduate and fellowship training trends for Canadian pediatric surgeons remain uncharacterized. Similarly, updated workforce planning for pediatric surgeons is required. We aimed to characterize graduate degree and fellowship trends for Canadian pediatric surgeons, with modelling to inform workforce planning. METHODS: We performed a cross sectional observational study evaluating Canadian pediatric surgeons in January 2022. Surgeon demographics collected included year of medical degree (MD) conferment, MD location, fellowship location, and graduate degree achievement. Our primary outcome was to evaluate training characteristics over time. Secondary outcomes evaluated surgeon supply and demand from 2021 to 2031. Supply was extrapolated from current Canadian pediatric surgery fellows assuming static fellowship matriculation, while retirement was estimated using a 31-, 36-, or 41-year career following MD conferral. RESULTS: Of included surgeons (n = 77), 64 (83%) completed fellowship training in Canada and 46 (60%) have graduate degrees. No surgeons graduating ≤1980 hold graduate degrees, compared to 8 (100%) surgeons with MD ≥ 2011 (p < 0.001). Similarly, more surgeons with MD ≥ 2011 appear to have a Canadian MD (n = 7, 87.5%) and Canadian fellowship (n = 8, 100%). Modelling predicts that 19-49 (25%-64%) surgeons will retire between 2021 and 2031, while 37 fellows will graduate with intention to work in Canada, creating between a 12 surgeon deficit up to an 18 surgeon surplus depending on career length. CONCLUSIONS: Trends in graduate degree achievement and fellowship location suggest increasing competition for Canadian pediatric surgery positions. Additionally, a substantial number of Canadian-trained fellows will need positions outside of Canada in the next decade. Overall, results support previous work demonstrating saturation of the Canadian pediatric workforce. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV. ACGME COMPETENCY ADDRESSED: Medical Knowledge.

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PURPOSE: Clinician-investigators have an important role in the development and implantation of new therapies and treatment modalities; however, there have been several reports highlighting a pending shortage in the clinician-investigators' workforce. In Canada, the Royal College has promoted the development of clinician-investigators programs (CIP) to facilitate the training of these individuals. There is currently a paucity of data regarding the outcomes of such programs. This study aims to identify the strengths and areas of improvement of the Montreal University CIP.  Methods: An internet-based 51-question survey was distributed to all the alumni from the University of Montreal CIP. Participation was voluntary and no incentives were provided. The response rate was 64%.  Results: Among respondents, 50% (n=16) had completed their clinical residency and all CIP requirements. The majority of these individuals (63%) had become independent investigators and had secured provincial and national funding. Satisfaction of the respondents was high regarding the overall program (85%), the research skills developed during the CIP (84%) and the financial support obtained during the program (72%). The satisfaction rate regarding career planning was lower (63%).  Conclusion: This survey demonstrates that, while indicators are favorable, some areas still require improvement. Several steps to improve the CIP have been identified; notably, the transition from the CIP to early independent career has been identified as critical in the development of clinician-investigators and steps have been taken to improve this progression.

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The 2021 Annual Joint Meeting (AJM) and Young Investigators' Forum of the Canadian Society for Clinical Investigation / Société Canadienne de Recherches Clinique (CSCI/SCRC) and Clinician Investigator Trainee Association of Canada/Association des Cliniciens-Chercheurs en Formation du Canada (CITAC/ACCFC) was hosted virtually on November 14-16th, 2021. The theme of the AJM was "Communication, Collaboration, and Tools for the Next Generation of Clinician Scientists", and emphasized lectures, panels and interactive workshops designed to provide knowledge and skills for professional development of clinician investigator trainees. The opening remarks were given by Nicola Jones (President of CSCI/SCRC) and Adam Pietrobon (Past President of CITAC/ACCFC). The keynote speaker was Dr. Timothy Caulfield, who delivered the presentation titled "Communication in the Era of Misinformation". Dr. Michael Hill (University of Calgary) received the CSCI Distinguished Scientist Award and Dr. Philippe Campeau (Université de Montréal) received the CSCI Joe Doupe Young Investigator Award. Each of the scientists delivered award winning talks during the symposium titled "All the King's Horses and All the King's Men" and "Understanding Growth Plate Disorders to Better Treat Them", respectively. The three interactive workshops included "Data Visualization", "Science Communication on Social Media" and "Mentorship in Action". The two panels were "CIHR Engagement: Challenges and Opportunities in the Clinician Investigator Career Path" and "Early Career Investigator Panel". The AJM also included presentations from clinician investigator trainees from across the country. Over 60 abstracts were showcased at this year's meeting, most of which are summarized in this review. Six outstanding abstracts were selected for oral presentations during the President's Forum.

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PURPOSE: Canadian clinician-scientist trainees enrolled in dual degree programs often pursue an extended training route following completion of MD and MSc or PhD degrees. However, the proportion, plans and reasoning of trainees who intend to pursue training internationally following dual degree completion has not been investigated. In this study, we assessed the international training considerations of current clinician-scientist trainees. METHODS: We designed an 11-question survey, which was sent out by program directors to all current MDPhD program and Clinician Investigator Program (CIP) trainees. Responses were collected from July 8, 2019 to August 8, 2019. RESULTS: We received a total of 191 responses, with representation from every Canadian medical school and both MD-PhD program and CIP trainees. The majority of trainees are considering completing additional training outside Canada, most commonly post-doctoral and/or clinical fellowships. The most common reasons for considering international training include those related to quality and prestige of training programs. In contrast, the most common reasons for considering staying in Canada for additional training are related to personal and ethical reasons. Irrespective of intentions to pursue international training, the majority of trainees ultimately intend to establish a career in Canada. CONCLUSION: While most trainees are considering additional training outside of Canada due to prestige and quality of training, the majority of trainees intend to pursue a career as a clinician-scientist back in Canada. Trainees would likely benefit from improved guidance and mentorship on the value of international training, as well as enhanced support in facilitating cross-border mobility.

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The 2019 Annual General Meeting and Young Investigators' Forum of the Canadian Society for Clinical Investigation / Société Canadienne de Recherche Clinique (CSCI/SCRC) and Clinician Investigator Trainee Association of Canada / Association des Cliniciens-Chercheurs en Formation du Canada (CITAC/ACCFC) was held in Banff, Alberta on November 8-10th, 2019. The theme was "Positioning Early Career Investigators for Success: Strategy and Resilience". Lectures and workshops provided knowledge and tools to facilitate the attendees' development as clinician investigators. Dr. Jason Berman (President of CSCI/SCRC), Elina Cook (President of CITAC/ACCFC) and Drs. Doreen Rabi and Zelma Kiss (University of Calgary Organizing Co-Chairs) gave opening presentations. The keynote speakers were Dr. William Foulkes (McGill University) (Distinguished Scientist Award winner) and Dr. Andrés Finzi (Université de Montréal) (Joe Doupe Young Investigator Award winner). Dr. Robert Bortolussi (Dalhousie University) received the Distinguished Service Award for his work as the Editor-in-Chief of Clinical and Investigative Medicine and for being instrumental in the development of the Canadian Child Health Clinician Scientist Program. This meeting was the first to host a panel discussion with Drs. Stephen Robbins and Marcello Tonelli from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. Workshops on communication, career planning and work-life balance were hosted by André Picard and Drs. Todd Anderson, Karen Tang, William Ghali, May Lynn Quan, Alicia Polachek and Shannon Ruzycki. The AGM showcased 90 presentations from clinician investigator trainees from across Canada. Most of the abstracts are summarized in this review. Eight outstanding abstracts were selected for oral presentation at the President's Forum.

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OBJECTIVE: The Neurosurgery Research & Education Foundation (NREF), previously known as the Research Foundation of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), was established in 1980 to encourage and facilitate innovation through financial support to young neurosurgeons in the process of honing their competencies in neurosciences and neurological surgery. This article provides a historical overview of NREF, its mission, and charitable contributions and the ever-expanding avenues for neurosurgeons, neurosurgical residents and fellows, and medical students to supplement clinical training and to further neurosurgical research advances. METHODS: Data were collected from the historical archives of the AANS and NREF website. Available data included tabulated revenue, geographic and institutional records of funding, changes in funding for fellowships and awards, advertising methods, and sources of funding. RESULTS: Since 1984, NREF has invested more than $23 million into the future of neurosurgery. To date, NREF has provided more than 500 fellowship opportunities which have funded neurosurgeons' education and research efforts at all stages of training and practice. CONCLUSIONS: NREF is designed to serve as the vehicle through which the neurosurgical community fosters the continued excellence in the care of patients with neurosurgical diseases.

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The declining number of physician scientists is an alarming issue. A systematic review of all existing programs described in the literature was performed, so as to highlight which programs may serve as the best models for the training of successful physician scientists. Multiple databases were searched, and 1,294 articles related to physician scientist training were identified. Preference was given to studies that looked at number of confirmed publications and/or research grants as primary outcomes. Thirteen programs were identified in nine studies. Eighty-three percent of Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) graduates, 77% of Clinician Investigator Training Program (CI) graduates, and only 16% of Medical Fellows Program graduates entered a career in academics. Seventy-eight percent of MSTP graduates succeeded in obtaining National Institute of Health (NIH) grants, while only 15% of Mayo Clinic National Research Service Award-T32 graduates obtained NIH grants. MSTP physician scientists who graduated in 1990 had 13.5 ± 12.5 publications, while MSTP physician scientists who graduated in 1975 had 51.2 ± 38.3 publications. Additionally, graduates from the Mayo Clinic's MD-PhD Program, the CI Program, and the NSRA Program had 18.2 ± 20.1, 26.5 ± 24.5, and 17.9 ± 26.3 publications, respectively. MSTP is a successful model for the training of physician scientists in the United States, but training at the postgraduate level also shows promising outcomes. An increase in the number of positions available for training at the postgraduate level should be considered.

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