An evaluation of the accuracy of residency applicants' curricula vitae: Are the claims of publications erroneous?

Competition for residency positions in dermatology is intense. Training programs in other disciplines have described significant misrepresentation among their applicants in claims of research and publication. An evaluation was made of the curricula vitae for the 138 applicants with completed applications for our 1994 residency match. Cited cuticles were placed in four categories: ''published,'' ''in print/in press,'' ''submitted for publication,'' and ''in preparation/in progress.'' We found significantly less misrepresentation than has been described in other specialty training programs. Simplification of the way in which applicants verify their bibliography may reduce erroneous citations and remove implications of willful misrepresentation of academic achievements.