Publication trends among general surgery residents, fellows, and graduates and its relationship to future academic achievement

Abstract

Background: Medical research is considered a core component of Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) residency programs. Through conducting, evaluating, and applying medical research, physicians aim to improve the quality of care for patients and better health outcomes. Our study aims to determine associated factors that influence publication rates before, during, and after general surgery residency.

Methods: Our cross-sectional study included a random sample of 50 general surgery residency programs. Using each program's online website, publicly available records were obtained for residents that graduated in 2013-2015. Previous publication information, h-index, medical degree, and fellowship pursued were obtained for each graduate by searching Scopus and PubMed. Microsoft Excel functions were used to calculate descriptive statistics and 95% confidence intervals.

Results: Of the 30 included programs, 68 residents were analyzed for sample characteristics and publication rates. Among the 68 graduated residents, the majority, 31 (45.6%) had between 1-5 publications. Of the 68 residents, most pursued a fellowship in Minimally Invasive Surgery (14/68; 20.6%). Most research outcomes reported were during residency with a total of 150 (of 321; 46.7%) publications. Of the 321 total publications recorded, the lowest reported median was before residency.

Conclusions: Our study indicated that research outcomes were more prevalent during residency when compared to research outcomes before and after residency. Given that research remains a core part of ACGME general surgery residency programs, it is important for residents to continue progressing their scientific knowledge through continued research. In conclusion, publication rates remain the highest during residency.