The Absence of International Standardized Quality Criteria in Doctorate Programs in Surgery: A Survey Study.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

A doctorate degree in surgery is awarded by universities in recognition of high-standard academic research. This study explores the global heterogeneity of PhD programs in surgery and evaluates them using a standardized rating scale.

Method

A cross-sectional survey was distributed electronically to surgical doctoral programs worldwide. A 25-point rating scale was developed to assess program quality across domains such as dissertation requirements, number and type of publications, journal quartiles, and authorship position. Programs achieving ≥15 points were classified as "excellence-PhD" (e-PhD). Scores were compared across world regions and by university ranking (Shanghai Ranking).

Results

A total of 949 PhD programs from the 193 United Nations member countri

SUBMITTER: Llorach-Perucho N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12623651 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan-Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature