Association of pre-residency publications with research productivity in residency, fellowship, and academic career choice among Canadian ophthalmologists

Theme: Glaucoma
What: Posters
Part of: Poster Presentations / Présentations d'affiches | Break in the Exhibition Hall / Pause dans la salle d’exposition
When: 6/1/2024, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Where: Exhibition Hall | Salle d'exposition

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to assess whether the research output of medical students who matched into a Canadian Ophthalmology residency program influences their subsequent research productivity during residency, decision to pursue a fellowship, or engagement in academic practice.

Study Design: Retrospective review of public databases.

Methods: 369 trainees commencing ophthalmology residency from 2004 – 2015 at 15 ophthalmology residency programs were identified. Each trainee’s publication record was queried in Scopus before and after the date they started residency. Multiple public sources were searched to identify fellowship placement and the type of subsequent practice (i.e., academic or community). Predictors of research productivity during residency, fellowship, and practice setting were assessed using multivariable regression analyses.

 

Results: A total of 369 first-year ophthalmology residents were identified, with 641 pre-residency publications, and 1257 residency publications. On average, residents with pre-residency publications (n = 187) showed significantly greater research productivity during residency compared to those without pre-residency publications (n = 182), with a mean of 5.17 ± 5.97 vs 1.60 ± 2.38 (p < 0.001) of publications on any topic, and a mean of 4.96 ± 5.91 vs 1.55 ± 2.40 (p <0.001) of ophthalmology-related publications. Pre-residency research output was associated with research output during residency (RR, 1.17; 95% CI 1.09 – 1.27, p < 0.001) after adjusting for gender, match year, and residency program in multivariable analysis (i.e., negative binomial regression). Residents who published 1 or more articles before entering residency were 2.9 times more likely to pursue fellowship training (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.74 – 4.83) and 1.8 times more likely to practice academic medicine (OR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.07 – 3.2) compared to those without publications before residency.

 

Conclusions: Pre-residency research productivity is a significant predictor of subsequent research engagement, fellowship pursuit, and academic practice choices among Canadian ophthalmology residents. This suggests that pre-residency publishing reflects a propensity towards an academic trajectory. There was a moderating effect of resident publication count on the association between pre-residency publication and academic choice, underscoring the role of the residency program environment in fostering research productivity. Tailored mentorship and research curricula within ophthalmology residency programs can help cultivate a new generation of physician-scientists, ultimately contributing to advancements in ophthalmology. Further work is required in identifying and addressing barriers to medical student engagement in research (e.g., lack of mentors and opportunities, limited funding for training and conferences, and dedicated curricular time). 

 

Presenter(s)

Presenting Author: Daiana Roxana Pur

Additional Author(s):

Michael Kryshtalskyj, Section of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada

Cindy Hutnik, Department of Ophthalmology, Schulich School of Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada

Lulu Bursztyn, Department of Ophthalmology, Schulich School of Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada

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