J Oral Maxillotac 49:787,
Surg
1991
The Missing Piece of the Research Puzzle Research in oral and maxillofacial surgery has come a long way since the time it was merely a suggested activity in the recommendations for an accredited residency program. Not only do we now find more and more training programs with both faculty and residents involved in research, but also we now see many more practitioners engaging in clinical investigation. For example, much of the early work in the areas of arthroscopy and implantology began in the private sector. This is a clear indication of the effective carryover of attitudes and interests developed during the professionally formative years by exposing our trainees to a researchoriented environment. There are also other examples of the growing importance of research within our specialty. Several years ago an oral and maxillofacial surgery section was established within the framework of the International Association for Dental Research, and this group continues to expand its activities with highquality abstract sessions and participation in interdisciplinary symposia. Our own Section on Research meets yearly at the Clinical Congress, and it also provides some opportunity to meet and exchange ideas for those engaged in investigative activity as well as for those merely interested in hearing about new advances. Perhaps the most significant indication of the dedication of our specialty to fostering ongoing research, however, has been the contribution of dollars to promote and sponsor such endeavors. The few small research awards that began many years ago have now expanded to the establishment of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Foundation Research Fund, with current pledges of about $4 million and collections of over $2 million from our own fellowship and friends in industry. The 1992 Research Endowment Program, announced in April, will make available up to $350,000 from interest earned on the principal of this endowment fund to support investigative efforts related to oral and maxillofacial surgery. The Foundation has wisely designed a spectrum of awards to stimulate research at various levels. The Student Research Training Awards will provide opportunities for bright, young dental students to develop intellectual skills while being exposed to the many interesting facets of our specialty. These awards will help attract properly motivated and ori-
ented candidates to our residency programs. The Research Fellowships will provide funding for those already in training who wish to spend additional time in investigative work. For the experienced investigator who is interested in pursuing a career with emphasis on research, there is the Research Support Grant. Finally, for those in private practice who wish to develop a procedure or investigate a clinical technique, there is the Practitioner Innovation Research Award. There can no longer be any doubt about oral and maxillofacial surgery’s position regarding the importance of research to our future growth and development. There is still one area, however, in which we continue to be deficient, and that is in the communication of research findings. Certainly, publication in our Journal provides an opportunity for bringing the results of completed studies before the fellowship, but there is also a need for a forum where preliminary data can be presented and discussed. Such an occasion not only provides the investigator with important feedback that can be used to improve his or her study, but also brings new ideas more quickly to the forefront and stimulates others to develop research in related areas. The attempt to provide a research forum at our annual meeting via the scientific abstract sessions, while well intentioned, has not been highly successful. Trying to compete with multiple, simultaneous, clinically oriented programs and other activities has resulted in poor attendance, a lack of proper discussion, and considerable disappointment and discouragement, particularly on the part of residents and young investigators, who interpret the lack of an audience as an indication of disinterest rather than a matter of conflicting priorities. Other organizations have resolved this situation by holding a separate meeting, without competing activities, where there is adequate time for those interested in research to meet in a relaxed atmosphere and engage in proper scientific exchange. It is time that AAOMS did likewise. If we are going to support reseach, we need to support it in all its aspects. We have already made major advances both philosophically and financially. All that remains is the challenge of improving our scientific communication.
DANIEL M. LASKIN
787
Surg
1991
The Missing Piece of the Research Puzzle Research in oral and maxillofacial surgery has come a long way since the time it was merely a suggested activity in the recommendations for an accredited residency program. Not only do we now find more and more training programs with both faculty and residents involved in research, but also we now see many more practitioners engaging in clinical investigation. For example, much of the early work in the areas of arthroscopy and implantology began in the private sector. This is a clear indication of the effective carryover of attitudes and interests developed during the professionally formative years by exposing our trainees to a researchoriented environment. There are also other examples of the growing importance of research within our specialty. Several years ago an oral and maxillofacial surgery section was established within the framework of the International Association for Dental Research, and this group continues to expand its activities with highquality abstract sessions and participation in interdisciplinary symposia. Our own Section on Research meets yearly at the Clinical Congress, and it also provides some opportunity to meet and exchange ideas for those engaged in investigative activity as well as for those merely interested in hearing about new advances. Perhaps the most significant indication of the dedication of our specialty to fostering ongoing research, however, has been the contribution of dollars to promote and sponsor such endeavors. The few small research awards that began many years ago have now expanded to the establishment of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Foundation Research Fund, with current pledges of about $4 million and collections of over $2 million from our own fellowship and friends in industry. The 1992 Research Endowment Program, announced in April, will make available up to $350,000 from interest earned on the principal of this endowment fund to support investigative efforts related to oral and maxillofacial surgery. The Foundation has wisely designed a spectrum of awards to stimulate research at various levels. The Student Research Training Awards will provide opportunities for bright, young dental students to develop intellectual skills while being exposed to the many interesting facets of our specialty. These awards will help attract properly motivated and ori-
ented candidates to our residency programs. The Research Fellowships will provide funding for those already in training who wish to spend additional time in investigative work. For the experienced investigator who is interested in pursuing a career with emphasis on research, there is the Research Support Grant. Finally, for those in private practice who wish to develop a procedure or investigate a clinical technique, there is the Practitioner Innovation Research Award. There can no longer be any doubt about oral and maxillofacial surgery’s position regarding the importance of research to our future growth and development. There is still one area, however, in which we continue to be deficient, and that is in the communication of research findings. Certainly, publication in our Journal provides an opportunity for bringing the results of completed studies before the fellowship, but there is also a need for a forum where preliminary data can be presented and discussed. Such an occasion not only provides the investigator with important feedback that can be used to improve his or her study, but also brings new ideas more quickly to the forefront and stimulates others to develop research in related areas. The attempt to provide a research forum at our annual meeting via the scientific abstract sessions, while well intentioned, has not been highly successful. Trying to compete with multiple, simultaneous, clinically oriented programs and other activities has resulted in poor attendance, a lack of proper discussion, and considerable disappointment and discouragement, particularly on the part of residents and young investigators, who interpret the lack of an audience as an indication of disinterest rather than a matter of conflicting priorities. Other organizations have resolved this situation by holding a separate meeting, without competing activities, where there is adequate time for those interested in research to meet in a relaxed atmosphere and engage in proper scientific exchange. It is time that AAOMS did likewise. If we are going to support reseach, we need to support it in all its aspects. We have already made major advances both philosophically and financially. All that remains is the challenge of improving our scientific communication.
DANIEL M. LASKIN
787
