Author(s)
Dominic J. Catalano, MD
Linda X. Yin, MD
Susan E. Bisco
Christine M. Lohse, MS
Janalee K. Stokken, MD
Matthew L. Carlson, MD
Affiliation(s)
Mayo Clinic Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery ; Mayo Clinic Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery; Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN; Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota,;
Abstract:
Introduction: Otolaryngology residency remains highly competitive in the US, with recent match rates of 71%. Surveys of program directors have shown that applicants’ publication records are often emphasized in resident selection. The accuracy of reported publications and successful publication of submitted works among otolaryngology applicants has not been fully explored.
Methods: Retrospective review of applications submitted to the authors’ otolaryngology residency program through the Electronic Residency Application Service in 2014 and 2015. PubMed and Google searches were performed by 3 investigators (DJC, LXY, SEB) to assess the accuracy of reported publications and unpublished works. Associations with match success and publication accuracy were evaluated using Wilcoxon rank sum, chi-square, and Fisher exact tests.
Results: Of 582 included applicants, the majority were White (n=325, 60%), male (n=387, 66%), and matched at US residencies (n=457, 79%). Higher USMLE scores and higher numbers of research experiences were significantly associated with ability to match (p < 0.001). Reported publications per applicant ranged from 0-18. Only 9 (1.5%) applicants reported publications that could not be verified. Applicants with foreign medical degrees (p=0.01) or citizenship (p=0.02), and lower USMLE Step 1 scores (p=0.04) were significantly more likely to inaccurately report publications. Applicants with inaccurate reporting were more likely to go unmatched (p=0.03). A total of 167 (29%) applicants reported unpublished works that were never ultimately published; of these, 9 (5%) reported “accepted” publications, 4 (2%) reported “provisionally accepted” publications, and the rest all reported “submitted” works. Applicants with a higher number of research experiences (p=0.03) were more likely to report unpublished works that never reached publication.
Conclusions: There is a low rate of inaccuracy in reported publications among otolaryngology residency applicants. In contrast, a large percentage of “submitted” works never reach publication, and should be considered during the resident selection process.