The relative citation ratio (RCR) as a novel bibliometric among 2511 academic orthopedic surgeons

Factors Associated with Research Productivity and National Institutes of Health Funding in Academic Otology

OBJECTIVES

Bibliometrics, such as the Hirsch index (h-index) and the more recently developed relative citation ratio (RCR), are utilized to evaluate research productivity. Our study evaluates demographics, research productivity, and National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding in academic otology.

METHODS

Academic otologists were identified, and their demographics were collected using institutional faculty profiles (N = 265). Funding data were obtained using the NIH Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tools Expenditures and Reports Database. The h-index was calculated using Scopus and mean (m-RCR) and weighted RCR (w-RCR) were calculated using the NIH iCite tool.

RESULTS

H-index (aOR 1.18, 95% CI 1.10-1.27, p < 0.001), but not m-RCR (aOR 1.50, 95% CI 0.97-2.31, p = 0.069) or w-RCR (aOR 1.00, 95% CI 0.99-1.00, p = 0.231), was associated with receiving NIH funding. Men had greater h-index (16 vs. 9, p < 0.001) and w-RCR (51.8 vs. 23.0, p < 0.001), but not m-RCR (1.3 vs. 1.3, p = 0.269) than women. Higher academic rank was associated with greater h-index and w-RCR (p < 0.001). Among assistant professors, men had greater h-index than women (9.0 vs. 8.0, p = 0.025). At career duration 11-20 years, men had greater h-index (14.0 vs. 8.0, p = 0.009) and w-RCR (52.7 vs. 25.8, p = 0.022) than women.

CONCLUSION

The h-index has a strong relationship with NIH funding in academic otology. Similar h-index, m-RCR, and w-RCR between men and women across most academic ranks and career durations suggests production of similarly impactful research. The m-RCR may correct some deficiencies of time-dependent bibliometrics and its consideration in academic promotion and research funding allocation may promote representation of women in otology.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

N/A Laryngoscope, 2024.

Research Productivity and Impact in Foot and Ankle Surgery: Insights From Relative Citation Ratio Analysis of Recent Fellowship Graduates

INTRODUCTION

The relative citation ratio (RCR), a novel bibliometric tool supported by the National Institute of Health, provides a standardized approach to evaluate research productivity and impact across different fields. This study aims to evaluate RCR of fellowship-trained foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeons to analyze the influence of various surgeon demographics.

METHODS

Fellow names listed on the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society website were extracted from the year 2008 to 2009 to the year 2022 to 2023. Demographic information for each fellow was collected including sex, degree type, and academic title. The iCite database developed by the National Institute of Health was used to obtain total publications, mean RCR, weighted RCR, and change in RCR after fellowship graduation for each fellow. Univariate and multivariate analysis was conducted to predict these four parameters based on sex, degree type, academic position, and career longevity.

RESULTS

Of the 820 fellows, 674 (82%) were male. Most fellows (n = 587, 71%) did not go on to hold academic positions. Multivariate analysis revealed that male sex (β = 2.32, P < 0.001), holding an academic position (β = 6.44, P < 0.001), holding a PhD (β = 22.96, P < 0.001), and a shorter length time since graduation (β = -0.50, P < 0.001) were independent predictors of number of total publications. Holding a DO degree was an independent predictor of decreased mean RCR (β = 0.39, P = 0.039). Finally, multivariate analysis revealed that male sex (β = 4.05, P = 0.003), a career in academics (β = 4.61, P < 0.001), and a shorter time since graduation (β = -0.45, P = 0.001) were associated with a larger weighted RCR.

DISCUSSION

The findings highlight the importance of addressing gender disparities and promoting research opportunities across different programs. Moreover, academic institutions should provide adequate support and mentorship to early-career foot and ankle-trained orthopaedic surgeons to foster sustained research productivity.

Diversity in Leadership at Musculoskeletal Oncology Fellowships in the United States

Musculoskeletal oncology fellowship directors (MOFDs) possess the unique ability to influence treatment paradigms in musculoskeletal oncology through teaching and research. Currently, the characteristics that define this important role including demographics, training characteristics, research activity, and grant funding are poorly defined. A list of musculoskeletal oncology fellowship programs was obtained from the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons and Musculoskeletal Oncology Fellowship Match. Bibliometric data including the h-index were abstracted from Scopus. Demographics, training, and federal grant characteristics were collected from academic websites. Comparisons were made using t-tests and data were presented as means ± SD. The average age at the appointment was 41±9 years and most were male (80%) and Caucasian (85%). Few had an additional graduate degree (10% MS, 5% PhD). The mean h-index was 23±15 resulting from 91±56 publications. There was a positive correlation between age and h-index (r=0.398, p=0.082). Four MOFDs (20%) had at least one National Institutes of Health research grant. Sex, race, additional graduate degree, and procurement of NIH funding were not associated with higher h-index values. Full professors had higher h-index values than assistant/associate professors (p=0.014). Women and racial minorities are underrepresented among leadership positions in musculoskeletal oncology fellowship programs. This study can help provide a benchmark for departments in orthopedic surgery and aspiring orthopedic surgeons for MOFD positions.