Value of Research Years for International Medical Graduates Applying to General Surgery Residency

Abstract

While dedicated research time (DRT) offers international medical graduates (IMGs) exposure to the US healthcare system and helps boost their residency application, it can lengthen time away from clinical activity. We aimed to determine the value of DRT/protected research time for an IMG applying to general surgeryresidency (GSR). Cross-sectional survey. Academic, tertiary care center with a large GSR program (Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN). IMG applicants to our GSR program (2015-2018) and general surgery program directors (PDs) in the United States. Separate surveys were emailed to all IMG applicants to our GSR program (2015-2018) and general surgery PDs. Surveys to the applicants focused on the details of DRT spent in the US prior to residency and match outcomes. Surveys to the PDs focused on the importance of different aspects of an IMG applicant's research experience. Applicants: 320 applicants responded of which 148 (46%) applicants spent DRT in the US prior to residency. Among the research group, the median (interquartile range [IQR]) number of first author podium and poster presentations from the DRT were 1 (0-4) and 2 (1-5), respectively. At the time of match application, the median (IQR) number of published manuscripts among the research group was higher than that among the applicant group which did not pursue DRT (5[2-12] vs 1[0-2], p < 0.0001). Pursuing DRT and/or the duration of the research did not affect the match outcomes (p > 0.05). Seventy-six PDs responded to our survey. A median (IQR) of 2.5 (2-3) publications, and 2 (2-3) presentations per year of DRT were considered "productive." Sixty-three percent of PDs did not recommend IMGs take time off to engage in research; only 54% attributed some importance to an IMG's research experience. DRT does not seem to be associated with better outcomes for IMGs targeting GSR. Most PDs advocate against taking time off after graduation to engage in research activity. Decisions to pursue DRT should be individualized.