3.3 H-Index in Otolaryngology
Regarding promotion within otolaryngology based on h-indices, Svider et
al. conducted a study showing statistical differences in h-indices among
various academic positions.10 Specifically, it was
found that h-index scores trended positively as one went from assistant
professor, to associate professor, and later professor positions thus
further showing a correlated weight in academic promotion.
Interestingly, there were no differences in h-index scores between
chairpersons and professor positions, but this seems to be the case when
compared to other academic specialties in the results of the same
study.10
Additionally, in otolaryngology, studies have taken special interest on
how fellowship training can later manifest with greater h-index impacts
as well as in regard to research output and academic involvement. In
2012, Eloy et al found that the fellowships have statistically higher
academic productivity based on h-index when compared to otolaryngology
colleagues who did not pursue fellowship.19 A study
later on suggests that although this difference may be starting to
become smaller, involvement in academic medicine was higher in
fellowship trained otolaryngologists.20 One can see
how fellowships could be advantageous in increasing h-index score, which
consequently would increase likelihood to acquire higher positions in
academic medicine. Though this is merely a correlation and not
causation, it could prove useful to participate in a fellowship as an
investment in one’s h-index. Perhaps these provide catalyst
opportunities for research or dedicated mentors to guide and develop
effective research skills, which has been shown to be key in academic
development.19
To expand on providing otolaryngologists further avenues in research
involvement, it is important to consider variabilities in residency and
fellowship programs regarding research opportunities that are provided
by grant funding. Not only would this provide less hoops to jump through
in moving research projects forward, but it would also bring great
quality research increasing the likelihood of multiple citations.
Throughout the last decade, for example, otolaryngologists who have
completed head and neck cancer fellowship programs have reportedly
higher h-indices among their peers in other subspecialities and
non-fellowship trained colleagues.19,20 It is
important to take into account, however, that this subspeciality may be
given the most extensive federal and institutional funding as research
in cancer may be recognized as a more worthy cause than other
otolaryngology related maladies. Future studies have yet to quantify how
research funding is allocated among residencies and fellowships within
otolaryngology, but a budding otolaryngologist wanting academic career
advancement, or a higher h-index score may want to consider working in
subspeciality or residency program that has the means to conduct
meaningful research with minimal to no restrictions.