The 2020 Evidence-based Promotion Ladder of Academic Plastic Surgery

Abstract

PURPOSE: Metrics were evaluated between academic plastic surgeons from different tiered training programs to determine promotion predictors within tiers and between tiers for those seeking promotion from assistant, associate, to professors. METHODS: A cross-sectional online review was performed to collect 61 variables from full-time plastic surgeon faculty affiliated with United States residency training programs during the 2020–2021 academic year. Surgeons were stratified into nine cohorts for comparison by professorship (assistant, associate, professor) and Doximity ranked institution program tiers (Tier 1 = T1, Tier 2 = T2, Tier 3 = T3). Univariate, followed by multivariate regressions with reciprocal transformation were performed to determine predictors more likely associated with promotion. RESULTS: Ninety-eight programs included 851 surgeons. T1/T2/T3 surgeons promoted: more years in practice (P = 0.002; P < 0.001; P < 0.001), greater number of last author publications (P < 0.001; P < 0.001; P = 0.007). T1/T3 surgeons promoted: higher h-indexes (P = 0.001; P = 0.002). T1 surgeons promoted: on journal editorial board (P = 0.040). T2 surgeons promoted from assistant to associate: non-White race (P = 0.010). T3 surgeons promoted: residency director (P = 0.009) and greater number of citations (P = 0.026). Promoted from assistant, associate, professor between T3/T2/T1 programs: greater number of last author publications (P = 0.007; P = 0.002; P < 0.001). Promoted from assistant and associate between T3/T2/T1 programs: plastic surgery department (P = 0.002; P < 0.001). Promoted from assistant between programs: attended Top 10 US News medical school (P = 0.012), attended better Doximity ranked research program (P < 0.001), greater number of first author publications (P = 0.017), greater number of citations (P = 0.023). Promoted from associate between programs: attended better Doximity ranked reputation program (P = 0.017), higher h-indexes (P = 0.017). Promoted from professor between programs: received any AAPS award (P = 0.039), greater number of AAPS awards (P = 0.012). CONCLUSION: Promotion predictors provided evidence to synthesize the Promotion Ladder of Academic Plastic Surgery.