What Factors Influence Resident Research Publication in the Division of Plastic Surgery?

Of 126 abstracts presented, 39.7% were published as peer-reviewed articles. The association between abstract topic, type (basic science or clinical), presenting author rank, faculty investigator rank, or publication rate were not statistically significant. Faculty investigator affiliated site was statistically significantly associated with publication. Six major themes arose from the qualitative analysis: quality of research question, faculty investigator attributes, availability of supports, research program expectations, time factors, and collaboration between residents. These results implicate variables that influence quantitatively determined publication rates and point to implementation of changes that may improve resident research experience and productivity in Plastic Surgery.