Relationship Between Scholarly Activity and Postgraduate Career Choice: A Bibliometric Analysis of the 2017 Diplomates of the American Board of Dermatology

Background: Scholarly productivity is an assessment metric for dermatology residents and faculty. How the bibliometric h-index, a publicly available metric that incorporates the quantity and quality of publications, relates to early career choices of dermatologists has not been investigated. Objective: We determined the h-indices of the 2017 diplomates of the American Board of Dermatology to ascertain its association with career choice. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was performed using the published list of the 2017 diplomates. Gender and PhD status were compiled. The Scopus database was queried for publications and h-indices. The primary outcome was the pursuit of an academic position, nonacademic position, or fellowship after board certification. Results: Among 475 (96%) diplomates, the median (range) h-index was 2 (0-14). Those with MD and PhD degrees had greater h-indices (6.4 ± 3.1 vs. 2.3 ± 2.3, P < .05). There was a difference (P < .05) in h-index between diplomates pursuing an academic position (3.6 ± 3.1), non-procedural fellowship (3.3 ± 3.1), procedural fellowship (2.5 ± 2.0), and non-academic position (2.1 ± 2.1). Conclusions: The h-index quantifies academic productivity and may predict early career choices in dermatology.