Setting the Standards: Examining Research Productivity Among Academic Urologists in the USA and Canada in 2019

Abstract

BackgroundResearch productivity among academic urologists is strongly encouraged, but little data are available on productivity metrics within the field. ObjectiveTo provide the first comprehensive survey of research productivity among academic urologists in the USA and Canada. Design, setting, and participantsUsing the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, the Canadian Resident Matching Service, and individual program websites, all active accredited urology faculties were identified. For each individual, we collected data on American Urological Association section, title, gender, fellowship training, Scopus H-index, and citations. Comprehensive searches were completed during March–May 2019. Outcome measurements and statistical analysisDescriptive statistics for demographic comparisons were performed using analysis of variance for continuous variables and chi‐square test for categorical variables. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to identify the predictors of H-index greater than the median. Results and limitationsA total of 2214 academic urology faculties (2015 in USA and 199 in Canada) were identified. The median and mean H-indices for the entire cohort of physicians were 11 and 16.1, respectively. On multivariable analysis, physicians in the North Central and Western Sections (vs mid-Atlantic), who were fellowship trained (vs no fellowship training), and of higher academic rank (professor and associate professor vs clinical instructor) were more likely to have H-index values greater than the median. Additionally, female physicians (vs male) were more likely to have H-index values less than the median. ConclusionsThis study represents the first comprehensive assessment of research productivity metrics among academic urologists. These represent key benchmarks for trainees considering careers in academics and for practicing physicians gauging their own productivity in relation to their peers. Patient summaryIn this study, we provide the first comprehensive assessment of research productivity among academic urologists in the USA and Canada. Our results help provide key benchmarks for trainees considering careers in academics and for practicing physicians gauging their own productivity in relation to peers.