• Matthias Pfister, Zhihao Li, Florian Huwyler, Mark W Tibbitt, Milo A Puhan, Pierre-Alain Clavien, and Research Sustainability Group.
• Wyss Zurich Translational Center, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
• Ann. Surg. 2024 Aug 8.

ObjectiveTo define the concept of surgeon-scientists and identify the root causes of their decline in number and impact. The secondary aim was to provide actionable remedies.BackgroundSurgeons who conduct research in addition to patient care are referred to as «surgeon-scientists». While their value to society remains undisputed, their numbers and associated impact have been plunging. While reasons have been well identified along with proposals for countermeasures, their application have largely failed.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review covering all aspects of surgeon-scientists together with a global online survey among 141 young academic surgeons. Using gap analysis, we determined implementation gaps for proposed measures. Then, we developed a comprehensive rescue package.ResultsA surgeon-scientist must actively and continuously engage in both patient care and research. Competence in either field must be established through protected training and criteria of excellence, particularly reflecting contribution to innovation. The decline of surgeon-scientists has reached unprecedented magnitude. Leadership turning hospitals into «profit-factories» is one reason, a flawed selection process not exclusively based on excellence another. Most importantly, the appreciation for the academic mission has vanished. Along with fundamentally addressing these root causes, surgeon-scientists' path to excellence must be streamlined, and their continuous devotion for innovation cherished.ConclusionThe journey of the surgeon-scientist is at crossroads. As society, we either adapt and shift our priorities again towards innovation or capitulate to the greed for profit, permanently losing these invaluable professionals. Successful rescue packages must not only involve hospitals and universities but also the political sphere.Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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