OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine if there is an optimal time to complete dedicated research during surgical residency.

BACKGROUND: Research is an integral part of academic general surgical residency, and dedicated research usually occurs after the 2nd or 3rd post-graduate year (PGY). The timing of dedicated research and its association with resident productivity, self-assessed competency (including technical skills), and fellowship match is not known.

METHODS: PubMed was queried for publications resulting after dedicated research time for graduating surgical residents at a single institution from 2010 to 2021. Graduates were surveyed about their research experience and placed into 2 groups: research after PGY2 or PGY3.

RESULTS: Sixty-six of 91 (73%) graduating residents completed dedicated research (after PGY2, n=28; after PGY3, n=38). Median number of total and first author publications was similar between groups; however, research after PGY2 was associated with an increased number of basic science publications by fellowship application deadlines (PGY2: 1.0[0-13] vs PGY3: 0.0[0-6], p=0.02). With a 79% survey response rate, there were no differences in self-assessed competencies upon return from research between cohorts. Most surveyed residents matched at their top fellowship choice (PGY2:70% vs PGY3:62%, p=0.77).

CONCLUSIONS: Research after PGY2 or PGY3 had no association with residents' total number of publications, self-assessed competency, or rates of matching at first choice fellowship. As research after PGY2 had an increased number of basic science publications by time of fellowship application, surgical residents applying to fellowships that highly value basic science research may benefit from completing dedicated research after PGY2.