B. Bigelow1, N. Siegel1, G. Toci1, J. Elsner1, C. Hicks1, C. Abularrage1 1Johns Hopkins University School Of Medicine,Division Of Vascular Surgery,Baltimore, MD, USA
Introduction: Research output is one element of a multifactorial process that residency programs consider when evaluating applicants. However, there are minimal data assessing the impact of increased research productivity on admittance into top ranked integrated vascular surgery residency (IVSR) programs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association of peer-reviewed research and the integrated vascular surgery match process.
Methods: Vascular surgery residents who matched into an IVSR for the years 2015-2017 were identified using departmental websites and their bibliometric profiles found on SCOPUS. The Doximity ranking was used to designate the Top 10 programs based on rankings of general surgery programs who also had an IVSR. Data regarding the total publications, first authorships, original research articles, case reports, and systematic reviews were described for Top 10 programs and those outside the Top 10 (Other). Only those publications accepted prior to January 1st of the year the resident matched were recorded. Mann Whitney U tests (MWU) were performed to compare the medians of bibliometric variables between residents from Top 10 vs. Other programs.
Results: 158 residents from 51 IVSR programs were included in the analysis. Residents published a total of 259 peer-reviewed publications, which consisted of 215 original research articles (83%), 26 case reports (10%), and 19 systematic reviews (7%). There were 66 first authorships (25%). Median total publications at Top 10 vs. Other programs was 2 vs. 1 (p<0.01); additionally Top 10 residents had a significant difference in median for all other research categories (Table 1).
Conclusion: Our study demonstrates significantly higher research productivity among medical school candidates who matriculate to the Top 10 IVSR programs. Thus, top programs may emphasize and use applicants’ research productivity during medical school as a distinct qualification category and a marker of future success.
