Why Bother With Research

An intriguing article recently appeared in the International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery titled “Research – why bother?” (vol. 40, issue 12, page 1346, December 2011) written by G. Dimitroulis. The article discusses of oral and maxillofacial surgery needs research to make itself known as a professional body and not as just a technical trade. A brief mention is made that dual degree programs place time pressures on trainees at the expense of research. The author mentions how head and neck surgical oncology is shared by a number of surgical specialties with mutual interest. The author states “We cannot rely rely on the research experience of other surgical specialties if we are to secure the respect and trust of our medical and surgical colleagues from other disciplines who also have a mutual interest in head and neck oncology.” The … Read more