When should residents be exposed to research?

In this paper the planning of research in a neurosurgical training program is discussed. There are good arguments to organize research rotation after one or two years of clinical exposure rather than at the beginning or the end of the program. Teacher as well as resident can prepare the rotation more carefully selecting the topic according to abilities and interests, selecting a suitable research institution, and prepare funding if necessary. The goals of a research rotation, the various categories of basic and applied research, and the length of the research period are being treated.