Do Dedicated Research Years during Medical School Predict Academic Productivity during Residency?

Abstract

Background: Evidence regarding whether medical school research portends resident research is limited. This information will provide program directors with data that may be useful for selecting applicants with a commitment to continued academic productivity. Methods: A questionnaire distributed via the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Resident Council to residents in 44 plastic surgery training programs in May 2020 assessed participation in dedicated research years during medical school, the number of publications completed before residency, and the total number of publications by each resident at the time of the survey. One-way ANOVA and post hoc analysis determined significant associations between publication count and number of research years. Results: Of the 256 included respondents, 203 did not complete a research year during medical school, 44 completed 1 research year, and nine completed 2 research years. Mean publications before residency were higher for participants who took 1 or 2 research years (9.88 and 27.60, respectively) compared with those who did not (4.83, P < 0.001). A comparison of total publications during residency similarly revealed increased productivity by individuals who took 1 or more research years; however, there was no difference between the number of publications completed during residency for individuals who took 1 versus 2 years (P = 0.23). Conclusions: Residents with research experience during medical school continue to produce an increased number of publications during residency compared with those without, suggesting dedicated research years taken during medical school serve as a predictor of academic productivity in plastic surgery residents.

Association Between Preresidency Peer-reviewed Publications and Future Academic Productivity or Career Choice Among Ophthalmology Residency Applicants

“…These data suggest that a history of academic projects may be predictive of future academic productivity. These results are well aligned with prior studies conducted in other specialties, including otolaryngology, pediatrics, dermatology, neurology, urology, plastic surgery, and radiology . Medical students who successfully published early in their career may garner experience and skills performing research, which can be leveraged during residency and into their career as responsibilities and workload continue to grow.…”

“…These results are well aligned with prior studies conducted in other specialties, including otolaryngology, pediatrics, dermatology, neurology, urology, plastic surgery, and radiology. [7][8][9][14][15][16][17] Medical students who successfully published early in their career may garner experience and skills performing research, which can be leveraged during residency and into their career as responsibilities and workload continue to grow. Parker et al 18 demonstrated that participation in an organized research program is associated with the pursuit of future research.…”

Correlation Between Research Productivity During Medical School and Radiation Oncology Residency

“…Several analyses across various specialties outside of radiation oncology have demonstrated that prior research productivity may predict research productivity during residency. 8 , 9 , 10 However, this question has not yet been explored in the context of radiation oncology, despite its emphasis on research. Thus, this study aimed to determine whether research productivity before residency (ie, during medical school) could predict future research productivity during radiation oncology residency.…”

The Impact of Socioeconomic Factors on the 2022 Plastic Surgery Match

“…11,[18][19][20][21] Moreover, few of these objective application components have significant utility as indicators for applicant competitiveness or future achievement. 22,23 Although subjective metrics including letters of recommendation and research productivity may offer greater insight on future success, 24,25 access to quality mentorship, research funding, substantive academic opportunities, and other implicit necessities for a competitive application are not universally accessible. 15,26 Socioeconomic disparities among medical students, PRS programs, and academic institutions disproportionately burden marginalized applicants, perpetuating pipeline issues.…”