Research Productivity of Integrated Plastic Surgery Residents: Does Reputation Matter?

It is unknown whether the ranking of plastic surgery residency programs influences resident research output. This study aims to determine whether program reputation and other factors are associated with integrated plastic surgery resident academic productivity.

Programs were divided into four tiers based on Doximity reputation rankings. Residents from 2019 to 2020 were found through program websites and social media accounts. Works published during residency were identified through PubMed and Scopus from July 1 of each resident's intern year to August 10, 2020. Variables included resident demographics and medical school, residency reputation ranking, geographic region, and medical school affiliation. 'High research output' was defined as having ≥75th percentile of publications adjusted by training year.

In total, 921 residents in 80 programs were identified. The median (IQR) number of total publications and original articles was 3 (1-6) and 2 (0-4), respectively. On multivariable analysis, residents in top-20 ranked programs (OR = 2.31, 95% CI [1.55; 3.43], P < 0.001) or from programs associated with top-20 medical schools (OR = 1.61, 95% CI [1.08; 2.41], P = 0.020) were more likely to have higher research output. On the other hand, coming from a top-50 in research medical school (OR = 1.80, 95% CI [1.31; 2.47], P < 0.001) or being in a program affiliated with a top-20 medical school (OR = 2.52, 95% CI [1.69; 3.78], P < 0.001) were associated with higher original article output. Gender and geographic location were not associated with higher research output.

Program reputation and affiliated medical school research rankings are associated with research productivity during integrated plastic surgery residency. Applicants with a particular interest in research careers may consider this as they apply to residency.