Joint first Author

[CHILLMD]

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I worked in a large lab this summer and my PI put me under the wing of a research associate in the lab, who is also a PHD. They gave me the project and I worked on it and wrote the paper and sent it to the research associate to evaluate so we can then present it to the PI together.

Now the research associate has informed he is going to add 1 or two figures to the paper and since it was his idea and his project that he gave to me, he wants to be first author. However, he has offered me co-first author with equal contribution, even though his name physically will be first and mine second with an asterisk.

I am only a second year and haven't filled out ERAS. will I be able to indicate co-first author on it? can I list myself as first author on it, because, technically I am. How much will I loose by my name not being listed first physically? Will PDs view this the same as a traditional first author pub? Thanks

 

[Pewl]

I worked in a large lab this summer and my PI put me under the wing of a research associate in the lab, who is also a PHD. They gave me the project and I worked on it and wrote the paper and sent it to the research associate to evaluate so we can then present it to the PI together.

Now the research associate has informed he is going to add 1 or two figures to the paper and since it was his idea and his project that he gave to me, he wants to be first author. However, he has offered me co-first author with equal contribution, even though his name physically will be first and mine second with an asterisk.

I am only a second year and haven't filled out ERAS. will I be able to indicate co-first author on it? can I list myself as first author on it, because, technically I am. How much will I loose by my name not being listed first physically? Will PDs view this the same as a traditional first author pub? Thanks

My impression is that if he does officially indicate that you are also co-first auther (e.g. with an asterisk) then you may rightfully claim yourself as first author. So, on your CV is should be approriate for you to list your name first. If the topic every came up with someone interviewing you, you ought to be able to reference it and even provide contact info to your PI about this, so that he may verify your claim.

 

[KYLove]

Not true, you have to list names in order listed on manuscript, even if you are co-first with an asterisk. If someone notices your switch, you can get called out even if you claim ignorance. Place asterisk next to both other first author and your name to indicate co-first authors.

 

[MHotep]

This was recently an issue in my thesis lab between a graduate student and a post-doc. My thesis advisor said that it was acceptable to place yourself first on your CV when you are the second co-first author. However, I'm not sure if that is generally accepted since "co-first authorship" seems to be a relatively recent concept in the sciences.

I would like to hear from faculty members because they are the ones who will be reviewing your CV and residency application.

 

[CHILLMD]

could the moderator or anyone else with information please help? Thanks

 

[Gfunk6]

Do not change the author order. Being co-first author is not the same as being sole first author. It can be frustrating . . . the price of co-first authorship when you are not the "true" first author is permanently using the asterisk to denote said fact.

I've been there, I know how you feel. I agree w/ KYLove that it is not wise to change the published author order.

 

[kimplera]

Just a quick google of "co first author" comes up with several examples. What I like best is to list authors in order, bold your name, and put "co-first author" or some other indicator next to it. I think this minimizes the chance of a George O'Leary-esque problem. For example:

van de Whatever, M., Calf, R. (co-first author) , Done, D. et al blah blah blah....

 

[radiaterMike]

agreed. Nobody is going to fault you or question your honesty for lisitng your name second. You don't want to be in a position where someone questions this (either directly, or behind closed doors when applicants are discussed).

It might not be a bad idea to ask if it is possible to have the research associate be last author and the PI 2nd last or 2nd (and have the PI be the corresponding author). It may not fly- but it does not hurt to ask.

Mike

Just a quick google of "co first author" comes up with several examples. What I like best is to list authors in order, bold your name, and put "co-first author" or some other indicator next to it. I think this minimizes the chance of a George O'Leary-esque problem. For example:

van de Whatever, M., Calf, R. (co-first author) , Done, D. et al blah blah blah....

 

[IndyXRT]

This is the first I have heard of "co-first author." This sounds like a nice way of saying "second author." I generally view first and second author publications as having similar weight for resident applicants, as many times it is difficult for medical students to get listed as first author (such as the situation mentioned in this thread). I would not change the author order for your CV. I suppose you could do something like listing co-first author in parentheses after your name. You just have to hope your CV doesn't end up in the hands of someone like me who (until today at least) would have thought you were making the designation up.

 

[radiaterMike]

Generally "co-first author" is designated as such on the journal article (designated by an asterix), so if there was ever a question about it, it could be easily verified.

This is the first I have heard of "co-first author." This sounds like a nice way of saying "second author." I generally view first and second author publications as having similar weight for resident applicants, as many times it is difficult for medical students to get listed as first author (such as the situation mentioned in this thread). I would not change the author order for your CV. I suppose you could do something like listing co-first author in parentheses after your name. You just have to hope your CV doesn't end up in the hands of someone like me who (until today at least) would have thought you were making the designation up.