Academic and Demographic Profile of Orthopaedic Vice Chairs of Research

Background: Vice chairs (VCs) of research play an integral role in orthopaedic departments at academic medical centers; they strategically lead research efforts and support the research careers of faculty and trainees. To our knowledge, no analysis of orthopaedic VCs of research exists in the literature, and no similar analyses have been completed in other medical specialties. We aimed to investigate the academic and demographic characteristics of orthopaedic VCs of research. Methods: Doximity was used to identify orthopaedic residencies in the U.S. Personal and program websites were queried to identify VCs of research and collect academic and demographic characteristics. The Scopus database, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) RePORTER, and Google Scholar were used to obtain each investigator’s Hirsch index (h-index) and the number and type of NIH grants awarded, respectively. Results: Of the 207 orthopaedic residency programs identified, 71 (34%) had a named VC of research in the orthopaedic department. Of the top 50 medical schools, 42 were affiliated with such programs. Most VCs were men (89%). The racial and/or ethnic background of the majority of VCs was White (85%), followed by Asian (14%), and Black (1%). Most held the rank of professor (78%), followed by associate professor (18%), and assistant professor (4%). Over half were PhDs (55%), followed by MDs (37%) and MD/PhDs (8%). On average, the VCs had an h-index of 40.5. Furthermore, 65% had been awarded at least 1 NIH grant for their research, with 43% awarded at least 1 R01 grant. Conclusions: VCs of research develop research opportunities and shape the brand recognition of academic orthopaedic programs. Most orthopaedic VCs of research are men (89%); 85% each are White and have a rank of professor. Nearly half have been awarded at least 1 R01 grant from the NIH. Clinical Relevance: This study outlines important academic and demographic characteristics among orthopaedic surgery VCs of research. Considering the mentorship aspect of their role, VCs of research have an opportunity to influence the diversity of incoming trainees in the field of academic orthopaedics.