Literature reviews and global neurosurgery: a powerful way of doing more with less

Neurosurgery is an intensely competitive field. With the USMLE Step 1 transitioning to a pass/fail system, research has become a crucial component of the neurosurgery residency application process. This emphasis on research is particularly critical for international medical graduates (IMGs), who often face greater challenges compared to their U.S. counterparts. IMGs typically need more publications and higher H-indices to stand out. However, accessing quality research opportunities is significantly more difficult for those from low- and middle-income countries. This mini-review aims to provide a new perspective for IMGs, demonstrating that publishing in prestigious neurosurgical journals is possible even with limited resources.

We searched Scopus and reviewed Brazilian publications from 2014 to 2023 in Neurosurgery and the Journal of Neurosurgery. We extracted the methodological designs of the studies and the graduation status of the first authors.

In 2023–2024, four Brazilian medical students published systematic reviews in major neurosurgical journals as first authors, marking a revolutionary change in the Brazilian neurosurgical landscape not seen in the past decade. These achievements illustrate that high-impact publications are attainable without geographical proximity, substantial financial support, or access to extensive institutional databases. Letters to the editor also represented a considerable Brazilian contribution.

Literature reviews and letters to the editor are accessible methods for IMGs to engage in impactful research. IMGs can maximize their abilities and significantly contribute to neurosurgery by embracing literature reviews and meta-analyses. These approaches can open doors for those without other avenues to begin their research careers.