Trends in PubMed-Indexed Research in Matched Urology Applicants: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the 2017 to 2021 Match Cycles

Abstract

Urology is one of the most competitive specialties for residency matches in the United States. Data reported by the American Urological Association from match cycles spanning 2014 to 2021 reveal a median of 0.34% (0%-3%) of unfilled spots, a median of 1.48 (1.28-1.87) applicants per position, and a median of 75% (63%-87%) match rate. Recent research has shown that program directors value applicants' research highly. We sought to assess the research productivity of matched urology residency applicants, identify trends in research volume over time, and investigate the potential correlation between research output and program ranking. Doximity Urology program ranking list from the 2017 to 2021 match cycles was sorted by reputation, extracted, and populated using each program's official website resident roster, including name, medical school, postgraduate year, and additional degrees. Rosters were crossed-checked against social media posts from the official accounts. Each identified urology resident was queried in PubMed. Journal ranking was determined through Scimagojr; top-quartile journals were classified as Q1. In total 131 of 145 programs were identified, and 1605 matched applicants spanning the 2017 to 2021 match cycles. The mean and median total publications were 2.44 and 1, respectively, and 2.17 and 1 when excluding case reports. 64.2% of applicants had at least one publication, and 42.2% had at least one urological publication. Applicants matching into higher-ranked programs had more research and urological research. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that Q1 research (β 2.38) and urology research (β 2.33) significantly affected rank. Match cycle analysis revealed an increase in total and urology-focused research, whereas regression analysis demonstrated significant increases in total publications (β 0.019) per cycle. Overall research, urology-focused research, first authorship, and publication in higher-ranked journals play an essential role in the urology match.