Research awards program of the Canadian Anesthesiologists' Society/Canadian Anesthesia Research Foundation: survey of past recipients.

PURPOSE

To review the effectiveness of the Research Grants, Career Scientist Award and Fellowship Program (RGCSFP) of the Canadian Anesthesiologists' Society (CAS)/Canadian Anesthesia Research Foundation (CARF) by surveying past recipients.

METHODS

The CAS Research Committee database of past RGCSFP recipients was reviewed to identify all past award recipients from the time of program inception in 1985 until the year 2005. A questionnaire was mailed to all past recipients with retrievable addresses. The questionnaire asked specific questions regarding past and current research, publications, grant procurement and mentoring of trainees. In addition, opinions regarding the program's effectiveness were solicited.

RESULTS

Of the 100 mailed survey forms, 66 (66%) were completed and returned. The number of original published articles per respondent was 30.1 +/- 28.5 (mean +/- SD) at the time of the survey, and the life-time number of all publication types was 38.5 +/- 34.6. Cumulative research funding increased in relation to the number of years in research, and amongst past recipients with > 15 years in research, individual research funding from all sources was $585,747 +/- $773,716. Ninety-six percent of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the program was valuable.

CONCLUSIONS

The RGCSFP has supported a large number of new and established anesthesia investigators in Canada, and these individuals have demonstrated high research productivity. The program is considered to be very valuable according to past recipients.