ABSTRACT
The essence of becoming a surgical scholar resides in understanding that the search for a surgeon/research scholar/mentor is the predominant factor for the medical student or surgical resident in realizing this goal. The surgeon/researcher/mentor will teach and direct the new protégé as to the best manner for advancing in surgical scholasticism.
A surgical scholar publishes and presents papers, as well as writing grants for peer-reviewed consideration. In addition, the surgical scholar may also write chapters, editorials and commentaries. In these areas of publications the surgeon/researcher/mentor can offer the best of his/her repertoire by assembling a good plan for the young student. The student, in turn, will be alert to optimizing the lessons of his/her mentor. That is how surgical scholars are born!