Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41385170›Full record

ArticleJournal of assisted reproduction and genetics2026

Persistent gender disparities in research productivity among U.S. reproductive endocrinologists: a cross-sectional analysis.

Elisheva Knopf, Shalakha Bonthu, Pranav Meka, Elana Eisenreich, Leah Roberts, Michele Retrouvey

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Journal of assisted reproduction and genetics, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Elisheva KnopfCharles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA. eknopf2023@health.fau.edu.ORCID http://orcid.org/0009-0001-0092-1550
Shalakha BonthuCharles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA.
Pranav MekaCharles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA.
Elana EisenreichSUNY Downstate College of Medicine, Brooklyn, NY, USA.
Leah RobertsBoca Fertility IVF & Genetics, Boca Raton, FL, USA.
Michele RetrouveyCharles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

purposeTo assess gender-based differences in career trajectories among reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI) physicians in the United States, focusing on leadership, research productivity, and professional involvement.

methodsThis was a cross-sectional comparative study of demographic, professional, and research metrics stratified by gender. Practicing REI physicians were identified through the ASRM directory. Physician gender was evaluated as a variable influencing career outcomes. Main outcome measures included practice setting, geographic distribution, research productivity (h-index, publications, citations), academic leadership, journal editorial board, and society board positions. Mann-Whitney U and Chi-square tests were performed.

resultsAmong 767 REI physicians, 55% were male and 45% female. Slightly more females worked in academic settings (33.3% vs. 25.1%), while more males were in private practice (70.4% vs. 66.7%). Leadership representation was comparable between genders. Female physicians had marginally greater representation on editorial (7.8% vs. 7.1%) and society boards (5.8% vs. 4.3%). Males, however, had significantly higher research productivity (mean h-index: 16.44 vs. 10.94; publications: 52.53 vs. 26.72; citations: 2216.69 vs. 1155.28; all p < 0.001).

conclusionDespite near parity in leadership representation, gender disparities persist in research productivity among REI physicians. These discrepancies may reflect systemic inequities in academic support, promotion criteria, and institutional culture. Structural barriers such as inequitable research resources, gendered service loads, and family-building or domestic responsibilities may further constrain women's ability to engage in sustained scholarly productivity and advancement. Future efforts can prioritize inclusive data practices, equitable promotion policies, and targeted interventions to support diversity within reproductive medicine.

Indexed as

Biomedical ResearchEndocrinologistsEndocrinologyReproductive MedicineSexismAdultCross-Sectional StudiesEfficiencyFemaleHumansLeadershipMaleUnited StatesAcademic disparitiesGenderLeadershipReproductive endocrinologyResearch productivity

Identifiers

PMID41385170
PMCPMC12900984

What OpenQuestion holds

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.