Medical Center,c Nashville, TN DURING THE SPAN OF AN ACADEMIC SURGEON’S CAREER, RESPONSIBILITIES AND PRIORITIES change. Such

that they were involved in some kind of research activity; however, only 143 (46%) were active researchers. Using univariate logistic regression analysis, younger respondents and surgeons who practiced for more than 10 years were more likely to be active researchers (odds ratio [OR]: 1.93, confidence interval [CI]: 1.51--2.46 and OR: 2.06, CI: 1.64--2.59, respectively). Males were less likely than females to be active researchers (OR: 0.32, CI: 016--0.67); however, by multivariate analysis, we found that the ‘‘years in practice’ ’ of an active researcher was the most significant predictor of research activity, whereas age and sex were not. In regard to stress, most respondents reported scores of 1--3 for all 7 stressors, which is consistent with minimal to moderate stress. Conclusion. Academic surgeons are involved actively in research; however, this involvement decreases as other professional responsibilities increase. To optimize the surgical research environment, departments should invest time and resources in young investigators to prevent them from decreasing their research activities. (Surgery 2009;146:462-8.