For some, health care professionals the word "research" invokes dreaded memories or intercurrent guilt about difficulties achieving targets on training schemes. For others, it incites excitement and enthusiasm, or pride in participation in past or present research studies. Some are probably still confused about what exactly constitutes research. Regardless, research is a fundamental part of our daily clinical lives. We read it (and we try to critique it to understand it better). We ask questions (or pose hypotheses) to search for evidence about the best treatments for our patients. Some design studies to prove or disprove hypotheses. Research is fundamental to ensuring good patient care.