Several years ago, in response to changing requirements of the American Board of Surgery, the decision was made to require that all residents have five full years of clinical experience. Since research experience is also considered important, individuals are encouraged to add a year or two of research experience after either Years II or III of the residency. This can be spent either in this institution or elsewhere but prolongs the total period of postgraduate surgical education. Most, but not all, residents choose a research year. The laboratory efforts in The Department of Surgery are coordinated by Daniel J. Brackett and Megan R. Lerner.