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Factors Associated With Research Productivity Among Canadian Plastic Surgery Residents
Colm Guyn1, Justin Lee2, Curtis Budden2
1Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
Introduction:
Research productivity is a key marker of academic development in surgical training, yet considerable variability exists among residents. Understanding factors influencing scholarly output is critical for shaping program design and providing targeted support for academic development. This study aims to explore factors associated with research productivity among Canadian plastic surgery residents.
Methods:
A mixed methodology was utilized. First, a survey was distributed across Canadian plastic surgery programs to capture demographics, resident and program characteristics, and productivity metrics. Associations were examined using nonparametric tests given the non-normal distribution of data. Residents volunteered for follow-up interviews; interviews were transcribed verbatim, deidentified, and underwent thematic analysis to contextualize the associations found in the quantitative data.
Results:
Forty residents completed the survey (response rate 24%). Median (Q1-Q3) total publications were 8.0 (3.0-11.8), including 5.0 (3.0-7.5) preresidency and 1.5 (0.0-4.0) during residency. Greater preresidency publications, weekly hours dedicated to research, dedicated research during medical school, and completion of a MSc/PhD during residency had associations with increased productivity (P < .05). Interviews (n = 8) generated six themes spanning program architecture, time/capacity, infrastructure and administrative delays, supervisory engagement, baseline preparedness, and resident motivations/strategy.
Conclusions:
Resident research productivity is influenced by various interacting resident- and program-level factors. Our survey found that research productivity was associated with prior research experience, self-directed engagement, and research training through residency. Integrating these findings with our interviews we suggest programs may enhance productivity by strengthening early research onboarding, aligning expectations with usable protected time, improving coordination/analytic supports, and reducing administrative barriers.