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Influence of Residency Training on Research Productivity and Plastic Surgery Career
Eva Roy, BS; Francesco M. Egro, MBChB MSc MRCS; Adrian Zalewski, BS; Brandon T. Smith, MS; Joseph E. Losee, MD; Vu T. Nguyen, MD
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
2021-01-30
Presenter: Eva Roy
Affidavit:
50% of this project was done by the resident, Francesco Egro.
Director Name: Vu T Nguyen
Author Category: Medical Student
Presentation Category: Clinical
Abstract Category: General Reconstruction
Background: The impact of residency training on academic productivity and a career in academic plastic surgery remains uncertain. Previous literature has explored the influence of training institutions on academic careers in surgery. The aim of this study was to assess research productivity during plastic surgery residency training and illustrate how differences in training programs impact resident research productivity.
Methods: Academic plastic surgery faculty that graduated in the past ten years were identified through an internet search of all ACGME accredited residency and fellowship training programs. Research productivity was compared based on h-index, number and quality of peer-reviewed articles published during residency.
Results: 375 academic plastic surgeons were identified and produced 2487 publications during residency. The 10 most productive training institutions were Johns Hopkins, Georgetown, University of Michigan, Stanford, University of California Los Angeles, Northwestern, Harvard, New York University, University of Pennsylvania, and Baylor. Academic productivity was higher among integrated residents (integrated=8.68 publications, independent=5.49 publications; p<0.0001). The number of publications positively correlated to faculty size(r=0.167, p=0.0013), NIH funding(r=0.249, p<0.0001), residency graduation year(r=0.211, p<0.0001), and negatively correlated with Doximity ranking(r=-0.294, p<0.0001).
Conclusion: Our study has found there is an elite cohort of programs that are the most productive research institutions. Resident research productivity is higher amongst integrated residents, recent graduates, and programs larger in size, with a higher Doximity ranking and NIH funding. This study can guide medical students and future applicants who are interested in a career in academic plastic surgery in the selection of programs that match their career aspirations.
