Measuring Scholastic Production by Dermatopathologists Using the H-Index: A Cross-Sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Dermatopathology
• Bibliometrics
• Academic Medicine

Background:

• Academic advancement in dermatopathology relies on scientific output.
• The H-index is a key metric for evaluating research volume and impact.
• Current H-index distribution among academic dermatopathologists is not well-defined.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the H-index distribution among academic dermatopathologists in North America.
• To identify the H-index as a predictor of academic rank.
• To establish H-index benchmarks for different academic positions.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study of 299 North American academic dermatopathologists.
• Data collected from Thomas Reuters Web of Science included H-index, publication, and citation counts.
• Statistical analyses were used to identify predictors of academic rank and establish cutoff points.

Main Results:

• The H-index was a stronger predictor of academic rank than publication or citation counts.
• Median H-index values were 4 for assistant professors, 6 for associate professors, and 11 for full professors.
• H-index cutoff scores of 8 and 10 were associated with associate and full professor ranks, respectively.

Conclusions:

• The H-index provides valuable benchmarks for assessing scientific productivity in dermatopathology.
• Assistant professors with an H-index >7 and associate professors with an H-index >9 may be suitable for promotion consideration.
• These findings aid in objectively evaluating candidates for academic advancement in dermatopathology.