Rising Stars in Dermatology: Analysis of Lead Authorship Roles in the Published Literature
Main Article Content
Keywords
financial sponsorship, early-career researchers, quality of evidence, innovation, authorship, degree status, journals, dermatologic research
Abstract
Introduction: The quality and progression of dermatologic research is significantly impacted by the contribution of first authors at different stages of their careers. Our study examines the association between first-author academic degree, financial sponsorship, and evidence quality published in three highly read journals from October 2013 to October 2023.
Methods: Data collection was conducted using REDCap, and statistical analyses were performed with Welch’s t-tests and chi-squared tests.
Results: A significant shift in first-author education levels was observed pre- and post-2018, with an increase in pre-doctoral (bachelor’s or master’s degree) compared to post-doctoral (MD or PhD) first authors (9.6% vs. 15.5%, p=0.04), indicating a trend of early-career researchers assuming lead roles in original investigations. Additionally, citation frequency did not differ between pre- and post-doctoral first authors (p=0.26), suggesting comparable research impact. However, post-doctoral first authors had a higher proportion of financial sponsorships (48% vs. 41%, p=0.014) and a higher quality of evidence based on study design (31.4% vs. 13.7%, p<0.001).
Discussion:The disparity in financial sponsorship and evidence quality highlights an opportunity for enhanced support of pre-doctoral early career researchers through mentorship programs and financial grants to potentially improve meaningful research productivity in dermatology.
References
2. Elston DM. Planning better research projects: Advice for young researchers. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2019;80(5):1253. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2017.11.013
3. Cline A, Pona A, Ezekor M, et al. The importance of publications, research, volunteer, and work experience in dermatology residency applicants. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2021;84(2):e99-e100. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2020.09.066
4. Ke J, Cao SZ, Darland AM, et al. Allocation of dermatology research opportunities to medical students: Analysis of the national academic dermatology approach. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2023 Dec 27:S0190-9622(23)03260-7. Tabledoi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2023.11.046. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38056527.
5. Mital R, Wu JJ, Kaffenberger BH. NIH research funding success in dermatology training programs, a cross-sectional analysis. Arch Dermatol Res. 2023;315(3):683-684. doi:10.1007/s00403-022-02461-w