Demographic and applicant-specific predictors of medical school research productivity in a national cohort of dermatology residents.

Abstract

Research is a crucial aspect of medical advancement, and applicants applying to dermatology often have high research outputs. With United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 becoming pass/fail, research productivity may be more emphasized. We primarily sought to assess predictors of medical school research productivity. Class of 2023 dermatology residents publicly listed on Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited programs were included. Their medical school bibliography and demographics were assessed using PubMed and other platforms (eg, Doximity, LinkedIn). By multivariable analysis, students who attended a top 25 medical school (ranked by US News and World Report) or were PhD graduates had significantly higher H-indices, average impact factors, and total years of research activity (P < .01). Top 25 medical school graduates also had significantly higher total peer-reviewed publications, first authorships, and clinical research papers (P < .01). PhD graduates had significantly more clinical research and fewer dermatology-related papers (P < .03). Graduates of osteopathic medical schools had significantly fewer review papers (P=.02). Gender and graduation from an international medical school had no relationship with research productivity. Our study demonstrates a correlation between applicant-specific factors and research productivity. Because the emphasis on research productivity may increase, understanding the mechanisms behind these relationships may guide future dermatology applicants or their mentors.