Research Publications Among Canadian Plastic Surgery Residents Over 10 Years: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.

Abstract

Background: Scholarly activity is a key aspect of plastic surgery training, influencing resident selection and career progression. However, research productivity among Canadian plastic surgery residents has not been quantified.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included Canadian plastic surgery residents enrolled between 2015 and 2024, identified through a systematic web search. Scholarly metrics were extracted from Scopus and PubMed. Descriptive statistics summarized demographics and research metrics of residents. Multivariable logistic and negative binomial regression analyses were used to identify associations and predictors of research productivity, defined as publications-per-postgraduate year (PGY).

Results: Overall, 309 trainees were included (163 active, 146 graduates). Among 163 active residents, 53% identified as female, 41% held a graduate degree, and 11% of active residents were enrolled in a Clinician-Investigator Program (CIP). Mean publication-per-PGY was 0.62 ± 0.92. Higher research productivity was independently associated with preresidency publications (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 1.09, P < .001), CIP enrolment (IRR=1.88, P = .041), and female identification (IRR=0.58 for males, P = .017). Among 146 graduates, 58% were female, 46% held a graduate degree, and 84% pursued at least one fellowship. Twenty-seven percent hold faculty positions. Faculty appointment was associated with higher research metrics (P < .001), and graduate degree status was the sole independent predictor (odds ratio = 3.41, P = .015). Program requirements and the productivity of PDs and RDs were not significant.

Conclusions: Research productivity among Canadian plastic surgery residents is primarily influenced by individual factors, specifically preresidency research and CIP enrolment. Program-level factors such as research requirements and metrics of PDs and RDs are not associated with higher productivity in residents. Graduate degree status is a predictor of academic career pursuit, but not of fellowship. These findings aim to enhance scholarly involvement throughout the trainee lifespan and those aspiring for a faculty appointment.