Participation of the Mexican General Surgery in International Journals

Abstract

Background: Scientific publications are essential for disseminating knowledge and updates among physicians. Integrating scientific research into clinical practice and medical education is crucial for improving patient care. Developing scientific skills alongside clinical skills is essential for applying the scientific method in evidence-based medicine. Publishing research findings in journals is the final step in the scientific process, but it is sometimes overlooked, affecting a country's scientific output. Aim: The aim of this study is to quantify Mexico's contribution to the most significant international journals in the field of surgery. Material and methods: Descriptive bibliometric study, of articles published in a 5-year period between 2018 and 2022 in one of the top 10 journals with the highest impact factor in the field of general surgery, articles were included if it was identified that one of the authors was affiliated with a Mexican institution. Results: 59 articles published in 10 of the journals with the highest impact in the area of surgery. The journals with the most publications were the British Journal of Surgery with 11 articles (17.2%), Mexico City representing 83.2% of the total publications. The average number of citations for each article was 20.36 ± 31.4 (range 0-198). The institution with the highest number of publications was the Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán with 15 (25%). Conclusion This study provides a comprehensive overview of general surgery research in Mexico, highlighting both achievements and areas for improvement. By understanding the current landscape and identifying key challenges, Mexican surgeons and researchers can chart a course for continued growth and advancement in their specialty.