Predictive Value of Preresidency Academic Metrics on Resident Publication Potential

Objective

Otolaryngology residency is highly competitive, and applicant academic metrics are scrutinized. The predictive value of preresidency academic metrics on applicants' future research productivity and career aspirations remains largely undefined.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Academic otolaryngology department, 2014 to 2015.

Methods

Applicant demographics, publication history, and United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) scores were downloaded from Electronic Residency Application Service archives. Publications during residency were tallied from all PubMed articles indexed between July 1, 2015 and June 30, 2020. Postresidency career paths were examined by 2 investigators (D.J.C. and L.X.Y.) using Google searches with an emphasis on program websites, Doximity, and LinkedIn profiles. Associations with publication potential and postresidency positions were evaluated with Spearman rank correlation coefficients and Kruskal-Wallis, Wilcoxon rank sum, and χ ² tests.

Results

Of 321 applicants, 226 (70%) matched, and 205 (64%) completed residency by June 2020. Matched residents published a median of 4 (range: 0-41) manuscripts during residency. USMLE scores, Alpha Omega Alpha status, and the number of preresidency publications did not significantly correlate with publication potential during residency. The number of research experiences had a significant positive correlation with publications during residency (p < 0.001). Asian race (p = 0.002) and geographical region of residency (p < 0.001) also had significant associations with publication potential. Of the 205 graduates, 118 (58%) enrolled in fellowship. Age and female sex (74% vs 48%; p = 0.002) were the only factors significantly associated with pursuing a fellowship.

Conclusion

In otolaryngology, not all preresidency academic metrics are associated with publication potential during residency or propensity for fellowship training. Programs should not use academic metrics alone to predict an applicant's future research productivity or career trajectory.

Advantages and Complications of Fisch Partial Mastoidotympanectomy for Tumors of the Retromandibular Fossa and Poststyloid Space

Objective  This study aims to characterize a single surgeon's experience with resection of tumors of the retromandibular fossa and poststyloid space utilizing the Fisch partial mastoidotympanectomy (FPMT) technique of partial temporal bone resection. Design  Retrospective review. Setting  Academic medical center. Participants  Seven patients who underwent tumor resection with FPMT. Main Outcome Measures  Complications. Results  Six males and one female underwent FPMT, with ages ranging from 44 to 79 years. The facial nerve was sacrificed in six cases, no cases were converted to more extensive temporal bone resection procedures, and no postoperative hearing loss occurred. The only intraoperative complication experienced was a violation of the external auditory canal in four cases, which resulted in postoperative wound healing issues in two cases. Conclusions  FPMT allows for the release of tumors of the poststyloid space and retromandibular fossa without compromise of hearing status. Preservation of external auditory canal soft tissues is challenging, and the violation is experienced relatively frequently due to shearing forces during soft tissue retraction. When encountered, robust repair of defects is encouraged to prevent further wound healing complications.