DISSERTATION RESEARCH IN GRADUATE SURGICAL EDUCATION: EXPERIENCE IN AN UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate the unexposed benefits and difficulties involved in conducting a dissertation thesis during surgical residency program. Thirty-three theses were evaluated in respect of the subject, study design, duration, financial support and the fate with regard to subsequent presentation/publication. The residents' opinions were obtained with a questionnaire. Thirty-one theses were experimental and the most common subjects were peptic ulcer disease and peritoneal defence mechanisms, Average duration of the experimental studies from planning to presentation was 8 months, Nine studies were financially supported. Fourteen studies were published in peer-reviewed international journals and 11 studies were presented in International meetings. More than 85 percent of the surgeons found these studies useful for their surgical and academic practice. The subjects of the studies were found to be parallel with the current controversial areas. Increase in financially supports, longer time in there search laboratories and encouragement of multidisciplinary studies are found as critical factors for increasing the quality of the theses.