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Neurosurgery Program Directors' Perspectives on the Role of Research in Residency Matching: A Qualitative Study
Garrett Dyess1, Danner Butler1, David Williams1
1Medical School, University of South Alabama College of Medicine, Mobile, USA.
Cureus
|September 12, 2025
Summary
Neurosurgery program directors value medical student research for assessing dedication, prioritizing quality over quantity. Concerns exist about a research "arms race" potentially decreasing academic quality.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Neurosurgery Training
- Academic Research
Background:
- Growing concerns about an "arms race" in medical student research output.
- Need to examine the role of research in neurosurgery selection.
Purpose of the Study:
- Analyze neurosurgery program directors' perspectives on medical student research.
- Understand the impact of research on residency selection.
Main Methods:
- Structured interviews with neurosurgery program directors (PDs).
- Purposive criterion-based sampling and thematic analysis.
- Qualitative research techniques applied to open-ended questions.
Main Results:
- Research is a key indicator of interest and dedication in neurosurgery.
- Emphasis on publication quality, student authorship, and research comprehension.
- Program directors consider research opportunities and support infrastructure.
- Concerns about declining research quality due to increased quantity.
Conclusions:
- Neurosurgery PDs value student research for gauging interest and commitment.
- Divergent views on the "arms race" phenomenon in student research publications.
- Need for strategies to maintain academic research quality in neurosurgery.
