Academic otolaryngology in the new millennium: Are we falling behind?

Abstract

To determine if differences in publication rates have evolved over the past 3 decades for academic otolaryngologists. Three random samples with 50 academic otolaryngologists each were studied. These otolaryngologists completed training in 1 of the 3 time periods (1970-74, 1980-84, 1990-94) studied. Articles published within the first 5 years after graduation were tabulated and statistically analyzed. Academic otolaryngologists graduating in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s averaged 8.7, 8.9, and 6.4 publications during their first 5 years of academic practice, respectively. The first 2 cohorts averaged 5.4 and 5.7 publications in the 4 major otolaryngology journals, versus 3.3 for 1990s graduates. Basic science publications increased for 1990s graduates over those of the 1970s and 1980s graduates. The percentage of first author articles remained stable. Despite these trends, only the drop in case reports was statistically significant (P = 0.023, ANOVA). Trends may be developing that predict decreasing publication rates for newly trained otolaryngologists entering academic practice.