Pre-residency Publications Research Articles

Exploring the gender gap in neurosurgery: A cross-sectional analysis of preresidency publications among neurosurgery residents.

While the number of female physicians has increased since the 1970s, there continues to be a lack of female surgeons compared to their male counterparts, with the gender gap more prominent in surgical subspecialties such as neurosurgery. While surgical subspecialities have accelerated initiatives to close the gap, potential disparities in research opportunities may position women at a disadvantage, particularly in neurosurgery, where academic publications are an indicator of residency match success. In this paper, we sought to investigate whether gender disparities exist in preresidency neurosurgery publications among current neurosurgery residents. The present study selected residency programs from the top 25 neurology and neurosurgery hospitals in US News & World Report's 2022 Ranking. A database of neurosurgery residents and their publications was created using PubMed, neurosurgery residency program websites, and supplementary search. Articles published between the time of birth and December 31st of the year of graduation (medical degree) were used to determine publications before residency. Our research indicates that 25.7% (n = 135/526) of US neurosurgery residents at top 25 hospitals are women and 74.3% (n = 391/526) are men. Men (n = 391) had a median of 7 (interquartile range [IQR], 3-14.5; range, 0-129) publications before residency, and women (n = 135) had a median of 7 (IQR, 4-11.0; range, 0-74) publications before residency. There were no significant differences in the median number of publications between genders (p = 0.65). In conclusion, our research indicates there is no gender disparity in preresidency publications among neurosurgery residents. To improve women's representation in the field, further study is needed to better understand gender inequality among neurosurgeons, particularly in the earlier stages of medical training.

Senior Mentorship and Scholarly Success: Assessing Influences on Successful Neurosurgery Residency Applicant's H-Index

Research productivity is on the rise as neurosurgical residency positions become increasingly competitive. We explored the relationship between neurosurgical residency applicant's senior author's research productivity and matching into a neurosurgery residency program. A retrospective analysis of bibliometric data for applicants who matched into neurosurgery in 2022-2023 and their senior authors was conducted using Scopus. Logistic regression revealed a significant association between h-index values and top 40 match outcomes (P= 0.038). The maximum h-index of senior authors significantly predicted matches at top 40 programs (P=0.003). Affiliation with a top 40 medical school increased both applicant and senior author h-indices (P=0.05, P < 0.001 respectively). Linear regression of the maximum h-index of senior authors in preresidency publications explained 42% of this variability (P < 0.001). A multiple linear regression model incorporating this with publication number elucidated 69% of the variance in interns' h-index. Authorship data categorized as first, second, and third author positions showed 1847 first author, 1417second author, and 118 third author publications over 2-years. Applicants at top 40 residency programs had more first and second author publications compared to those from nontop 40 programs (P= 0.0158, P= 0.0275). There is a strong correlation between a neurosurgical applicant's academic output and that of their senior authors. The number of publications and the maximum h-index of senior authors significantly predict applicant h-indices. We also demonstrated that there is a significant difference in the academic productivity of applicants and senior authors of applicants who successfully match into a top 40 i(h)5 rated neurosurgical residency.

819 Pre-residency Research Output Amongst U.S. Neurological Surgery Residents

INTRODUCTION: Research productivity is often used in evaluating candidates for neurosurgery residency. Official Match data report successful candidates have on average ∼25 pre-residency research products; however, average number of indexed publications, the highest-valued research product, is not reported separate from other research products. METHODS: A list of all US neurosurgery residents who successfully matched between 2017-2021 was generated and narrowed to US MD seniors who applied to the authors’ institution. Each resident’s pre-residency publication quantity was extracted using Scopus. Additional variables were extracted from residency applications. RESULTS: 93.2% of all matched neurosurgery applicants from 2017 through 2021 were captured. Distribution of publication quantity was right skewed. Mean ± SD total, neuroscience-specific, and first-author pre-residency publications for applicants who matched in 2021 were 8.1 ± 10.0, 6.6 ± 8.7, and 2.3 ± 3.8 respectively. Median (IQR) total, neuroscience-specific, and first-author pre-residency publications were 5.0 (2.0, 11.0), 4.0 (1.5, 9.0), and 1.0 (0.0, 3.0) respectively. There was a statistically significant increase in average total, neuroscience-specific, and first-author publications from 2017 to 2021 (p &lt; 0.001). Multivariable analysis demonstrated an independent, positive association between class year and publication quantity (1.07 (0.71-1.42), p &lt; 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Indexed publications constitute a small portion of total research products successful neurosurgery candidates apply with. A high number of publications is not necessary to match with approximately 50% of all applicants who successfully matched having fewer than five publications and 25% having fewer than two. That said, average pre-residency publication quantity is increasing over time at a rate of approximately one publication per year.

High Research Productivity During Orthopaedic Surgery Residency May Be Predicted by Number of Publications as a Medical Student.

Orthopaedic applicants have increased the average number of publications on their residency application to compete with the growing competitiveness of the field. The purpose of this study was to assess whether research productivity before orthopaedic residency and caliber of one's institution is correlated with academic productivity during residency. Scopus was used to extract publication metrics. Quantity and quality (how often the publications were cited) were analyzed at 2 different time periods: before and during residency. All subjects in the study had graduated an ACGME-accredited orthopaedic surgery residency in 2021. Military residents, international medical graduates, and residents not listed on their department's website were excluded. Residents were categorized as both high (≥2 publications) or low (<2 publications) publishers according to their pre-residency publications. They were also categorized based on their program's Jones et al. research productivity ranking. For the 758 residents, the median number of publications was 0 (Interquartile Range [IQR]: 0-2) and 3 (IQR: 1-6) before and during residency, respectively. High publishing medical students had more publications during training than low publishers (6 [IQR: 3-14] and 2 [IQR: 1-4], p < 0.001). Residents at higher ranked programs also had more publications (4 [IQR: 2-9] and 2 [IQR: 0-4], p < 0.001). High publishing students now training at lower ranked institutions had more publications during residency than low publishers who trained at more productive institutions (4 [IQR: 1-9] and 3 [IQR: 1-6], p < 0.001). Having 2 or more publications before residency is correlated with an increased number of publications during residency. While attending a higher academically productive program is associated with increased resident publications, a high publishing medical student would be expected to have more publications during residency than a low publishing student, regardless of program rank. Notably, most matched applicants continue to have zero publications before matriculation.

Competitive neurosurgery residency programs: Predictors of matching outcome and research productivity

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive assessment of preresidency research and school as predictors of competitive neurosurgery matching and to assess for any correlations between preresidency and intraresidency research productivity. MethodsIndividuals who graduated from US neurosurgery programs from 2018 through 2020 were assessed for medical school, degree (MD, DO, or PhD), preresidency versus intraresidency publications, author order, article type, and neurosurgery matching outcomes. ResultsMedical school ranking (top 50) and the number of published papers (≥3) before intern year were predictors for matching to a top-25 residency program after adjusting for other covariates (p < 0.001, p = 0.002, respectively). On average, individuals who published more papers before residency published more papers during residency. For the comprehensive clinical papers category, there was a significant difference between individuals from the top 25 residency programs and others, with a stronger correlation between the number of preresidency publications and intraresidency publications for neurosurgeons who attended a top-25 residency program (r = 0.378 and r = 0.179, respectively; p = 0.02). ConclusionMedical school ranking and research productivity as measured by the number of published papers were independently associated with matching to the top 25 residency programs. In addition, high research productivity in the preresidency years was associated with continued productivity during residency, especially in the category of comprehensive clinical papers.

Predictors of Academic Productivity Among Spine Surgeons.

The relationship between research productivity in training and future productivity as an attending spine surgeon is not well-established in the literature nor has the effect of geographic location of training institutions on future academic success been investigated. The aim of our study was to (1) summarize characteristics of academically productive spine surgeons, (2) assess predictors of long-term academic productivity, and (3) establish the effect of geographic location on long-term academic productivity. A query was conducted of the 2021 to 2022 North American Spine Society Spine Fellowship Directory of all orthopaedic and neurosurgical spine fellowship selection committee members for each institution participating in the spine fellowship match. The attending publication rate and h- index were determined. A multivariate linear regression model was developed. P value was set to <0.05. We identified 310 orthopaedic and neurosurgical spine surgeons, representing 76 fellowship programs. Multivariate linear regression analysis identified that the publications during residency ( P < 0.001) and during fellowship ( P < 0.001) were significant predictors of an increased publication rate as an attending surgeon. By contrast, the preresidency publication rate ( P = 0.729) was not significantly predictive of the attending publication rate. Multivariate analysis of h- index found that residency publication rate had a positive correlation ( P = 0.031) compared with preresidency ( P = 0.579) or fellowship ( P = 0.257) rates. Attendings who had attended residency in the Northeast and currently practicing in the Northeast had a higher publication rate ( P < 0.001 and P = 0.004, respectively). A higher number of publications in residency and fellowship were markedly predictive of an increased publication rate as an attending spine surgeon. By contrast, preresidency publications may not be indicative of future academic productivity as an attending. Location may also contribute to attending publication rate and favor those who undergo residency training and ultimately practice in the Northeast.

Predictive Value of Preresidency Academic Metrics on Resident Publication Potential.

Otolaryngology residency is highly competitive, and applicant academic metrics are scrutinized. The predictive value of preresidency academic metrics on applicants' future research productivity and career aspirations remains largely undefined. Retrospective cohort study. Academic otolaryngology department, 2014 to 2015. Applicant demographics, publication history, and United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) scores were downloaded from Electronic Residency Application Service archives. Publications during residency were tallied from all PubMed articles indexed between July 1, 2015 and June 30, 2020. Postresidency career paths were examined by 2 investigators (D.J.C. and L.X.Y.) using Google searches with an emphasis on program websites, Doximity, and LinkedIn profiles. Associations with publication potential and postresidency positions were evaluated with Spearman rank correlation coefficients and Kruskal-Wallis, Wilcoxon rank sum, and χ 2 tests. Of 321 applicants, 226 (70%) matched, and 205 (64%) completed residency by June 2020. Matched residents published a median of 4 (range: 0-41) manuscripts during residency. USMLE scores, Alpha Omega Alpha status, and the number of preresidency publications did not significantly correlate with publication potential during residency. The number of research experiences had a significant positive correlation with publications during residency (p < 0.001). Asian race (p = 0.002) and geographical region of residency (p < 0.001) also had significant associations with publication potential. Of the 205 graduates, 118 (58%) enrolled in fellowship. Age and female sex (74% vs 48%; p = 0.002) were the only factors significantly associated with pursuing a fellowship. In otolaryngology, not all preresidency academic metrics are associated with publication potential during residency or propensity for fellowship training. Programs should not use academic metrics alone to predict an applicant's future research productivity or career trajectory.

Examining research productivity in medical school and dermatology residency: a cross-sectional study.

Research productivity is one criterion used by residency programs to evaluate the academic qualifications of prospective applicants. Our objective was to examine individuals' research productivity in dermatology residency compared to medical school. A cohort of dermatology residents who graduated from an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) certified Dermatology program in 2019 or 2020. An author search was conducted to identify author publications. Author number, journal name, impact factor, study type, and publication date were collected. Publications were characterized as pre-residency publications (PRPs) if published during intern year, medical school graduating year, or the year before graduating year. Publications were residency publications (RPs) if published during residency. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the average number of PRPs and RPs between individuals. Secondary outcomes were compared using chi-square and t-tests. 55159 publications were collected. There was no difference in mean number of PRPs and RPs. However, PRPs were more likely to be first author publications and RPs were more likely to be case reports. Both PRPs and RPs were generally published in the same journals. The differences in PRPs and RPs may stem from changes in mentorship/sponsorship roles during training. Our findings add to the literature on PRPs. Future research should examine continued trends of publications in residency and fellowship.

Factors Associated with Early Career Research Productivity after Ophthalmology Residency.

Background Few studies have evaluated associations between ophthalmology trainee characteristics and performance with postgraduate research productivity. Purpose This article evaluates factors associated with post-residency research productivity among U.S. ophthalmology graduates. Methods Publicly available information of residents graduating between 2009 and 2014 from 30 randomly selected U.S. ophthalmology programs was collected from June to September 2020. Differences in publications between the 5 years post-residency and pre-residency/residency period were used as metrics of productivity. Residents with incomplete records were excluded. Results A total of 758 of 768 residents, 306 females (40.4%) and 452 males (59.6%), met inclusion criteria. The mean (standard deviation [SD]) number of pre-residency publications was 1.7 (4.0), residency was 1.3 (2.2), and post-residency was 4.0 (7.3). Mean (SD) H-index was 4.2 (4.9). Top-ranked residency ( p = 0.001), Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) medical honor status ( p = 0.002), U.S. medical school graduates ( p < 0.001), and academic career ( p < 0.001) were all associated with higher pre-/post-residency mean publication difference. Pursuing fellowship training also was associated with higher total publications ( p < 0.001). Of all pre-residency degrees, PhD had the greatest odds of high postgraduate publications (defined as > 4). There was a positive correlation between both pre-residency/residency and post-residency publications (rho = 0.441; p < 0.001) and between mean difference of pre-residency/post-residency publications for residents at a program and that program's Doximity rank (rho = 0.497; p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression revealed, academic career choice (odds ratio [OR] = 3.38; p < 0.001), Heed fellowship (OR = 3.12; p = 0.031), > 2 residency publications (OR = 2.89; p < 0.001), AOA status (OR = 2.0; p = 0.004), and top-ranked residency programs (OR = 1.89; p = 0.007), had greatest odds of > 4 postgraduation publications. Conclusion Higher post-residency productivity was associated with multiple factors, with choice of an academic career, Heed fellowship, and residency productivity playing key roles.

Factors associated with matching into research-focused dermatology residency programs.

Although dermatology is one of the most competitive specialties to match into, there is limited transparency in the residency match process. In this retrospective cohort study of 2234 allopathic medical graduates, we identify applicant characteristics associated with matching into research oriented dermatology programs. Many of the statistically significant variables in our study, including PhD/MD status, graduating from a Top-25 NIH funded medical school, increasing total number of pre-residency publications (PRPs), and increasing number of high-impact PRPs, correlate with future academic employment. Although literature shows an association between an increasing number of first author PRPs and future academic employment, we did not find number of first or last author PRPs to be predictive of matching into a research oriented residency program. A more comprehensive evaluation of an applicant's research output, considering both the final products of an applicant's research endeavors and an applicant's role in various projects, may better approximate an applicant's commitment to academics.

Analysis of academic publishing output among 1634 successful applicants in the 2011–2018 neurosurgery residency match

BackgroundResearch productivity is a key criterion for applicant selection reported by residency program directors. Research volume reported on neurosurgery residency applications has risen steadily over the past decade. ObjectivePerform retrospective bibliographic searches of successful applicants who matched into U.S. neurosurgery residency programs from 2011 to 2018, and assess the relationship between academic publishing and residency placement. MethodsGender, MD/PhD status, U.S. News research ranking of medical school, and international medical graduate status (IMG) were determined for 1634 successful applicants from 2011 to 2018. Indexed publications before and after the start of residency were tabulated by Scopus®. Publication counts were stratified by first author, basic/clinical science, case reports, reviews, or other research. We then compared publishing trends across demographic variables and match cohorts. ResultsAverage pre-residency publications increased from 2.6 [1.7, 3.4] in 2011 to 6.5 [5.1, 7.9] in 2018. Men, PhD-holders, Top 20 and Top 40 U.S. medical school graduates, and IMGs had higher pre-residency publication counts overall. After stratifying by match cohort, however, there was no significant effect of gender on pre-residency publications. Applicants matching into residency programs with highly ranked affiliated hospitals had significantly higher pre-residency publications. ConclusionPublishing volume of successful neurosurgery applicants in the U.S. has risen recently and is associated with the stature of matched residency programs. Given the gap between verifiable and claimed research on residency applications, attention is needed to objectively evaluate research credentials in the selection process. The impending phase out of USMLE step 1 scores may increase emphasis on academic productivity.

Subject and Academic Setting of Pre-residency Publications as Potential Predictors of Post-residency Academic Productivity in a Cohort of Ophthalmology Residents

Objective This study aimed to determine if there is any association between the subject of pre-residency research publications (PRPs) and the academic settings in which they are produced with post-residency academic productivity among graduates from an academic ophthalmology residency program. Design, Setting, Participants This is a cross-sectional study involving graduates of the Wilmer Eye Institute Residency Training Program from 1990 to 1999. An electronic survey was conducted and each participant was asked to submit his/her curriculum vitae, including a list of peer-reviewed publications. Publications were validated and then classified according to the academic setting in which the research was performed, and whether or not the research was related to ophthalmology. Outcome Measures The primary outcome measure was the post-residency academic productivity score. The secondary outcome measures were the relationships of academic productivity with the settings in which PRPs were performed and the topics of the PRPs. Results Fifty-one individuals were included. Regression analysis showed a positive association between the number of PRPs generated during undergraduate studies and medical school and the academic productivity score (ratio = 1.17, p = 0.006) but not during an advanced degree program, research fellowship, or a year off to perform research. Regardless of the setting in which it was performed, the subject of a PRP was not associated with academic productivity. Conclusion It may be appropriate for ophthalmology residency programs whose mission is to train future academicians to place increased weight on applicants who have published articles related to projects performed during undergraduate years or in medical school and less weight on publications related to research performed during a more structured research period, such as an advanced degree program, regardless of the subject(s) of the publication(s).

Pre-residency publication and its association with paediatric residency match outcome-aretrospective analysis of anational database.

IntroductionScholarly activity is considered valuable in the resident selection process by candidates and program directors alike, despite existing literature suggesting applicants with scholarly work do not perform better in the match. These studies, however, are limited in that they have only measured whether candidates have successfully matched or not. To try and reconcile the existing disconnect in the value of pre-residency scholarly activity, we sought to deepen the understanding by investigating whether pre-residency publication is associated with a higher rank-order list match achievement.MethodsAnonymized data were collected from the Canadian Residency Matching Service for individuals matched to paediatric programs from 2007–2012. The primary analysis was to identify whether documentation of ≥1 pre-residency publication was associated with achieving a first-choice match. Secondary analyses included evaluating for an association between multiple pre-residency publications, academic presentations or a graduate degree and match outcome.ResultsOf a total of 843 matched individuals, 406 (48.2%) listed ≥1 pre-residency publication and 494 (58.6%) matched to their first-choice program. The possession of ≥1 pre-residency publications was not associated with matching to a candidate’s first-choice program (odds ratio = 0.94 [95% confidence interval = 0.71–1.24], p = 0.66). Similarly, listing ≥2 publications, ≥3 publications, a graduate degree, or an academic presentation was not associated with achieving a first-choice match.ConclusionsThe results provide increased support for the notion that in aggregate, candidate scholarly activity does not influence match outcome. Accordingly, it is recommended that medical student research activities are fostered with the goal to improve their skills as scientists, and not simply to achieve a better residency match outcome.

Impact of a Dedicated Research Rotation during Ophthalmology Residency.

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) requires that ophthalmology residents participate in scholarly activity during residency. However, residents lack protected time for research. To determine the impact of a dedicated research rotation on scholarly productivity and research experience during residency. This cohort study compared two groups of ophthalmology residents. Residents who graduated between 2004-2009 did not have dedicated research time and served as control residents (CR) while residents who graduated between 2010-2015 had a dedicated research rotation and served as the intervention group (research residents, RR). Primary outcomes included publications and presentations recorded over a four-year period, spanning the three years of residency and first year after graduation. These were analyzed by linear regression and t-tests. Residents also took surveys regarding research experience and chi squared tests and logistic regression were used to compare these results. The RR had 0.97 more publications and 1.3 more presentations compared to the CR after adjusting for PhD status, pre-residency publications and presentations, age at graduation, gender and race (p=0.09 and p=0.02, respectively). RR had higher odds of reporting adequate time to complete research (OR=13.11, 95% CI 3.58-48.03, p < 0.001) and satisfaction with their research experience (OR=6.96, 95% CI=2.104-23.053, p=0.002). Residents with a research rotation had more time to complete research, were more satisfied with their research experience, and generated more publications and presentations compared to residents without the research rotation. A research rotation can help meet ACGME requirements and help residents achieve greater scholarly activity.

Preresidency publication record and its association with publishing during paediatric residency

To determine whether an association exists between the publication of journal articles before and during paediatrics residency. A retrospective search of PubMed was conducted for publications by all 567 Canadian paediatricians certified between 2009 and 2012, inclusive. Paediatricians were separated into groups based on the number of articles published preresidency (0 or ≥1) and during residency (0 or ≥1). The methodology was validated using a group of local paediatricians who were contacted to verify whether their publications were identified accurately. A total of 160 of 567 (28%) certified paediatricians had preresidency publications; of these, 93 (58%) subsequently published during their residency period. Among the remaining 407 (72%) paediatricians without preresidency publications, 129 (32%) published during residency. The association between publication before and during paediatric residency was statistically significant (OR 2.98 [95% CI 2.04 to 4.36]; P<0.001). Results from the validation analysis suggested the methodology correctly identified pre- and during residency publication status with 87% and 90% accuracy, respectively. Individuals with previous publications were more likely to publish as residents; however, 42% of individuals with pre-residency publications did not publish as residents. Residency selection committees may find these data helpful in assessing the publication potential of their applicants. In addition, this information may assist in building more targeted and individualized research curricula within residency programs.

Pre-residency Publication Rate Strongly Predicts Future Academic Radiology Potential

Radiology resident selection committees often favor candidates with strong academic potential. The aim of this study was to determine if preresidency academic productivity of current radiologists was predictive of subsequent of future academic performance. The academic productivity of all radiology residents trained between 1975 and 2005 at the authors' institution was assessed through identification of their publication histories, National Institutes of Health funding statuses, and Hirsch indexes (h-indexes). These metrics were correlated with numbers of publications generated prior to beginning radiology residency and grouped accordingly (group 0, none prior to residency; group 1, one publication; and group 2, more than one publication). Academic productivity metrics of the different groups were compared using one-way analysis of variance and χ(2) analysis. Spearman's ρ coefficient was used to evaluate correlations between the number of preresidency publications and subsequent productivity. A cohort of 269 residents was included in this study. Group 0 comprised 182 of the 269 residents (68%), while groups 1 and 2 comprised 27 (10%) and 60 (22%) residents, respectively. Rates of subsequent publication, mean h-index, and National Institutes of Health funding statuses were significantly higher in group 2 compared to both groups 0 and 1 (P < .0001 for each metric). Preresidency publication volume was significantly correlated with future publication performance (ρ = 0.3977, P < .0001), mean h-index (ρ = 0.3086, P < .0001), and National Institutes of Health funding status (ρ = 0.4916, P < .0001). Radiology residency candidates with multiple publications are more likely to achieve future academic success compared to candidates with one or zero publications.