The Path to Research with Sean Perez

December 18, 2025 | Interview by Samantha Phan

Sean Perez, M.D., is a fourth-year general surgery resident in the Department of Surgery in the UC San Diego School of Medicine. He is also the first author of two recent manuscripts published in JAMA Surgery and the Annals of Vascular Surgery. The Department of Surgery spoke with Perez about his path to surgery and interest in research.

Tell us about your life growing up. What inspired you to pursue surgery?

I am from a small city called Upland in Southern California. I loved to play sports and be outside. Unfortunately, the sports I was interested in led to me getting hurt often — I broke some bones and had to get a few surgeries, so I was exposed to medicine from an early age. Because many of my childhood injuries were bone injuries, I initially thought I would go into orthopedic surgery. But I realized I loved how critical and complex general surgery is and decided to pursue that in my third year of medical school.

Have you always enjoyed research?

No! I dipped my toes into research throughout undergrad and medical school, but I didn’t think it was my cup of tea. Looking back, I think this was due to my approach, as I had largely viewed research as another box to check for school and residency applications. But when I became a resident at UC San Diego, I began to notice patterns in patient pathology and health system problems that piqued my interest. It wasn’t until I took two years of dedicated research time that I really came into my own and changed my perspective. I was given some freedom to come up with my own projects and support from my mentors to carry them out. I was able to be more creative. That was when I began to really enjoy research.

Is there a specific topic that you plan to focus on?

Not necessarily, as I’m still very early on in my career. I think there’s just so much to study and so much that interests me. I’ve worked on AI, machine learning, perioperative efficiency, ergonomics in the operating room and vascular devices. I have also collaborated across disciplines, including working with engineers. If I have the opportunity to answer a question, I take it. I just want to advance the field of surgery and care for our patients.

You just had two studies published, one of which was in JAMA Surgery, a very prestigious publication. How does it feel to see your work getting out there?

It’s really cool. When I went into this project, I didn’t think it would be published in JAMA Surgery — I wasn’t thinking about the publication at all. I just had an idea that I was passionate about, did the research and submitted it. Now it is in a popular, high-quality journal, which is very nice to see. Seeing other surgeons recognize our work and its importance to the field has been incredible. It’s one of the highlights of my residency experience.

How do you balance your clinical work, research and personal life?

It is tough, and I am very busy as a resident. I do a lot of work after I get home from the hospital. But I try to do the things I enjoy when I can. I like international travel, wine tasting, movies and hanging out with friends. I’m also very into skiing. I am currently planning some ski trips to Lake Louise in Canada, as well as Utah and Colorado, which I’m very excited about.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming academic surgeons?

Don’t just think about research questions that will lead to a publication. Too many people think about the publication before they start the project, which can lead to a lot of stress and burnout. I have been guilty of this myself. Instead, think about questions that will benefit patients. That is ultimately why we do what we do. As long as you stay focused and true to yourself, the research will come easily.