Quantifying the Impact of Research on Matching into Ophthalmology Residency

Abstract

Many factors influence an applicant's matriculation into an ophthalmology residency program. Previous studies have assessed the importance of quantifiable aspects of the application, such as board scores, Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) status, and clinical grades in matching into ophthalmology. 1,2Although research was mentioned in several of these studies, its effects on the match process has never been quantified. A survey of program directors, chairpersons, and people involved in matching committees indicated that a year of research was noted to be helpful in improving ophthalmology applications. 3In this study, we analyze the correlation between different research parameters and the rank of residency program matched, as measured by research output and reputation. Similar bibliometric studies have been done to evaluate the impact of research on matching into neurosurgery.4 An objective analysis of the often-elusive term "research" can help medical students and advisors understand the impact of AbstractPurpose This article aims to quantify the impact of research on matching into various tiers of ophthalmology residency programs. Design In this study, 340 applicants who matriculated into ophthalmology residency programs in the United States from the class of 2019 were included. Data variables collected for each applicant composed of the following: Hirsch's index (h-index), total number of publications, journal impact factor, type of publication, and number of publications relating to ophthalmology. The primary outcome was tier of ophthalmology program that each applicant matched into, which was determined by two metrics:(1) the h-index of the department's faculty and (2) overall reputation of the residency program as characterized by the U.S. News and World Report Ophthalmology Rankings. Results After multivariate analysis, only the h-index was found to be associated with an increased likelihood of matching at a higher tier program when measuring tier based on the metric of institutional research output (p < 0.0001). However, no research variable was found to be significant on multivariate analysis when assessing the impact of research on matching into a certain tier program based on reputation. The h-index was noted to increase by 1 for every 3.1 papers as the first author, every 4.9 years since the first publication, every 6.4 ophthalmology-related publications, and every publication in a journal with an impact factor of 5.2. Conclusion A higher applicant h-index is associated with matching at an ophthalmology program with greater research output; however, it is not associated with reputation of residency program.

A Bibliometric Analysis of Ophthalmology Resident Research Productivity in the United States

“…[5][6][7] Additional studies have used bibliometric data to assess correlations between medical school research productivity and matching into a specific specialty's residency programs, including ophthalmology. 1,[16][17][18][19] We modified the protocols employed in these studies for the collection of bibliometric data, as well as the methods utilized for statistical analysis, to ensure the reliability and validity of our conclusions. By cross-referencing the Scopus database and Google Scholar with PubMed, we attempted to capture all peer-reviewed, indexed publications during the given time frame: the beginning of their ophthalmology residency (July 1st, 2018) until three months after graduation (September 30th, 2021).…”

“…9 Even though there is an inherent bias to these rankings, they are often used to separate residency programs into tiers for analysis. 1,[16][17][18] Similarly, US News determines research rankings for medical schools based in part on how much federal funding each school receives. 10 Despite its flaws, other bibliometric studies have also used the Top 40 stratification for medical schools as a variable.…”

Characteristics of First-Year Residents in Top-Ranked United States Ophthalmology Residency Programs

“…Research experience is often touted as important for prospective applicants and has been linked to post-residency academic productivity 4 but its precise role in the ophthalmology match has not been well defined. [5][6][7] A 2018 study analyzed research productivity among matriculated residents; however, it focused on 1 year of student publications from a single database without assessing other applicant characteristics. 5 Other studies investigating characteristics associated with matching in ophthalmology did not include research productivity and relied on decade-old data (2003)(2004)(2005)(2006)(2007)(2008)2011).…”

“…[5][6][7] A 2018 study analyzed research productivity among matriculated residents; however, it focused on 1 year of student publications from a single database without assessing other applicant characteristics. 5 Other studies investigating characteristics associated with matching in ophthalmology did not include research productivity and relied on decade-old data (2003)(2004)(2005)(2006)(2007)(2008)2011). 1,8 Broadening our baseline understanding of characteristics that impact the ophthalmology match will allow program directors to better assess applicants' qualifications relative to their peers, inform medical school faculty advisors, 9 and help medical students improve their candidacy for an ophthalmology residency spot.…”

Effect of COVID-19 on Canadian Medical Student Attitudes toward Ophthalmology Residency Application

“…6 The majority of research with respect to matching to an ophthalmology residency is performed on the SF Match (The San Francisco Match) that occurs in the United States which differs significantly from the CaRMS match. [7][8][9] In contrast to the U.S. match, CaRMS does not place an emphasis on quantitative cognitive measures, such as scores on the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) step 1 which has been associated with successfully matching to ophthalmology. 10 As programs and students navigate the new transient and potentially permanent changes to electives and the CaRMS match, there has been little empiric investigation of the perspectives of Canadian medical students interested in ophthalmology.…”