Analysis of academic publishing output among 1634 successful applicants in the 2011–2018 neurosurgery residency match

BackgroundResearch productivity is a key criterion for applicant selection reported by residency program directors. Research volume on neurosurgery applications has risen steadily over the past decade.ObjectivePerform retrospective bibliographic searches of successful applicants who matched into U.S. programs from 2011 to 2018, and assess relationship between academic publishing placement.MethodsGender, MD/PhD status, News research ranking medical school, international graduate status (IMG) were determined 1634 2018. Indexed publications before after start tabulated Scopus®. Publication counts stratified first author, basic/clinical science, case reports, reviews, or other research. We then compared trends across demographic variables match cohorts.ResultsAverage pre-residency increased 2.6 [1.7, 3.4] in 6.5 [5.1, 7.9] Men, PhD-holders, Top 20 40 school graduates, IMGs had higher publication overall. After stratifying cohort, however, there was no significant effect gender publications. Applicants matching with highly ranked affiliated hospitals significantly publications.ConclusionPublishing recently associated stature programs. Given gap verifiable claimed applications, attention needed objectively evaluate credentials process. The impending phase out USMLE step 1 scores may increase emphasis productivity.