Bibliometric profiles of contemporary leaders in neurosurgery

Research is a significant component of academic neurosurgery. This analysis of current American leaders in neurosurgery provides a bibliometric review of research impact and productivity with a focus on m-quotient analysis throughout the stages of career development including medical school, residency and faculty. A random selection of neurosurgeons (n = 82) from the Society of Neurological Surgeons (SNS) was analyzed using Scopus to collect research and publication data including publication count, h-index, and m-quotient during each career phase. The mean number of publications, h-index, and m-quotient for medical school, residency, and faculty career stages are reported. Neurosurgeons with self-reported subspecialties of vascular, skull base, functional, spine, and pediatrics had significantly higher m-quotients than general neurosurgeons (p < 0.001). Those with either dual degrees consisting of an M.D. and Ph.D. (p = 0.472) or with a clinical fellowship (p = 0.127) training were not found to have significantly higher m-quotients than those without. No significant differences in m-quotients were found between faculty ranks including associate professor, professor, program director, and chairman. These findings provide a bibliometric analysis of research productivity throughout the career phases of current leaders in American academic neurosurgery which can serve as a reference for neurosurgeons at any stage of training or practice.