ABSTRACT
The Impact Factor was originally devised as an index of the quality of scientific journals and has since obtained mythical proportions. Authors select journals to which they submit their work on the basis of that journal’s Impact Factor. Medical school deans and administrators have adopted the Impact Factor as a means of judging the quality of the academic efforts of individual faculty, as well as the aggregate academic productivity of medical school departments. Departmental budgets have been based on the Impact Factor. There are serious questions as to the validity of using the Impact Factor for these purposes.
The need for medical school deans, chancellors and administrators to assess the work of their faculty is readily understandable, for it is the faculty’s cumulative academic productivity that establishes and maintains the reputation of an institution. Assessment of academic productivity is essential in the appointment, promotion and determination of appropriate faculty salaries.
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