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.