In this episode of SurgOnc Today, we will discuss the critical infrastructure and institutional support needed to successfully conduct surgical clinical trials. Host Dr. Christina Angeles, surgical oncologist at the University of Michigan and Chair of the SSO Research Committee, is joined by Dr. Hop Tran Cao, HPB surgeon at MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Dr. Melissa Pilewskie, breast cancer surgeon at the University of Michigan – both actively engaged in clinical trials at their respective institutions. Together, they explore the unique challenges surgeons face when initiating and executing clinical trials, how institutional culture and resources shape the research environment, and what it takes to build the infrastructure needed to support high-quality surgical research. From dedicated surgical trials centers and multidisciplinary collaboration to investigator training and fellowship education, this conversation offers practical insights for surgeons at every stage of their career – whether you're just starting out or looking to strengthen your institution's research program.