Trends in leadership at orthopaedic surgery sports medicine fellowships

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Fellowship directors (FDs) in sports medicine influence the future of trainees in the field of orthopaedics. Understanding the characteristics these leaders share must be brought into focus. For all current sports medicine FDs, our group analyzed their demographic background, institutional training, and academic experience.

AIM

To serve as a framework for those aspiring to achieve this position in orthopaedics and also identify opportunities to improve the position.

METHODS

Fellowship programs were identified using both the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine and the Arthroscopy Association of North America Sports Medicine Fellowship Directories. The demographic and educational background data for each FD was gathered via author review of current curriculum vitae (CVs). Any information that was unavailable on CV review was gathered from institutional biographies, Scopus Web of Science, and emailed questionnaires. To ensure the collection of as many data points as possible, fellowship program coordinators, orthopaedic department offices and FDs were directly contacted via phone if there was no response via email. Demographic information of interest included: Age, gender, ethnicity, residency/fellowship training, residency/fellowship graduation year, year hired by current institution, time since training completion until FD appointment, length in FD role, status as a team physician and H-index.

RESULTS

Information was gathered for 82 FDs. Of these, 97.5% (n = 80) of the leadership were male; 84.15% (n = 69) were Caucasian, 7.32% (n = 6) were Asian-American, 2.44% (n = 2) were Hispanic and 2.44% (n = 2) were African American, and 3.66% (n = 3) were of another race or ethnicity. The mean age of current FDs was 56 years old (± 9.00 years), and the mean Scopus H-index was 23.49 (± 16.57). The mean calendar years for completion of residency and fellowship training were 1996 (± 15 years) and 1997 (± 9.51 years), respectively. The time since fellowship training completion until FD appointment was 9.77 years. 17.07% (n = 14) of FDs currently work at the same institution where they completed residency training; 21.95% (n = 18) of FDs work at the same institution where they completed fellowship training; and 6.10% (n = 5) work at the same institution where they completed both residency and fellowship training. Additionally, 69.5% (n = 57) are also team physicians at the professional and/or collegiate level. Of those that were found to currently serve as team physicians, 56.14% (n = 32) of them worked with professional sports teams, 29.82% (n = 17) with collegiate sports teams, and 14.04% (n = 8) with both professional and collegiate sports teams. Seven residency programs produced the greatest number of future FDs, included programs produced at least three future FDs. Seven fellowship programs produced the greatest number of future FDs, included programs produced at least four future FDs. Eight FDs (9.75%) completed two fellowships and three FDs (3.66%) finished three fellowships. Three FDs (3.66%) did not graduate from any fellowship training program. The Scopus H-indices for FDs are displayed as ranges that include 1 to 15 (31.71%, n = 26), 15 to 30 (34.15%, n = 28), 30 to 45 (20.73%, n = 17), 45 to 60 (6.10%, n = 5) and 60 to 80 (3.66%, n = 3). Specifically, the most impactful FD in research currently has a Scopus H-index value of 79. By comparison, the tenth most impactful FD in research had a Scopus H-index value of 43 (accessed December 1, 2019).

CONCLUSION

This study provides an overview of current sports medicine FDs within the United States and functions as a guide to direct initiatives to achieve diversity equality.

Key Words: Sports medicine fellowship, Medical education, Orthopaedic surgery, Orthopaedic fellowship, Orthopaedic leadership

Core Tip: This retrospective study provides an overview of current fellowship directors (FDs) within sports medicine in the United States. Currently, orthopaedics has lower percentages of females and minorities in leadership roles than many other specialties. Gender and racial diversity of these specialties should be a continued focus for improvement. Overall, the trends identified in this study serve as objective data on current FDs within sports medicine. These trends could function as a guide for individuals who strive to become academic leaders in sports medicine orthopaedics as well as direct initiatives to achieve diversity equality.

INTRODUCTION

In medicine, those in leadership roles share certain characteristics that are gained from their formal training and mentors. Specifically, the fellowship director (FD) is one that will be a significant influence on many aspiring leaders. Potential factors that help physicians reach leadership positions are the ability to influence peers, develop research and educate the next generation of physicians. Through academic training, societal and community involvement, and clinical experience, such individuals decisively develop a set of leadership skills. However, the objective standards that serve as a foundation for these leaders, and sets them apart from others, remains unclear. Furthermore, it seems that developing orthopaedic surgeons pursuing these leadership positions lack objective directions on how to achieve them.

Within orthopaedics, sports medicine FDs oversee decisions that have an effect on current and future trainees. An assessment of the shared attributes associated with these individuals that achieve professional accomplishment to this extent needs to be developed. This review evaluated objective information on the traits and attributes of these leaders. Particularly, this review identifies and examines the demographics, academic experience, and institutional training backgrounds of current sports medicine FDs in the United States. Overall, this study may serve as a guide for aspiring leaders on how to achieve leadership positions in orthopaedic sports medicine and identify opportunities to improve the FD position, specifically with regards to diversifying leaders’ racial, gender, training, and research backgrounds.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data collection

The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) and the Arthroscopy Association of North America Sports Medicine Fellowship Directories for 2019-2020 were queried in order to locate all sports medicine orthopaedic surgery fellowships in the United States. For each program, all listed FDs were included. The demographic and educational background data for each FD was gathered via author review of current curriculum vitae (CVs). Any information that was unavailable on CV review was gathered from institutional biographies, Scopus Web of Science, and emailed questionnaires sent to fellowship administrators. To ensure the collection of as many data points as possible, fellowship program coordinators, orthopaedic department offices and FD were directly contacted via phone if there was no response via email. The demographic information of interest included: Age, gender, race/ethnicity, former residency and fellowship training location, the year of residency and fellowship graduation, year hired by current institution, time since residency and fellowship completion until FD appointment, length in FD role, each individual’s H-index and status as a team physician at either the professional or collegiate level. Team physician roles included in the study were ‘team physician’, ‘head team physician’ or ‘assistant team physician’.

To obtain the individual H-index for each FD, the Scopus database (Elsevier BV, Waltham, MA, United States) was queried to access their research specific information. This database has a search engine feature that operates through an extensive repository of peer-reviewed scientific literature with a citation tracking component. Scopus was employed to retrieve the H-index for every FD in the study.

Pearson correlation coefficients were determined via Statistical Analytics System (9.4) software. Data was interpreted according to Mukaka’s guide for correlation coefficients[1]. Values under 0.3, 0.3 to 0.5, 0.5 to 0.7, 0.7 to 0.9 and greater than 0.90 are indicative of negligible, low, moderate, high, and very high positive correlation respectively.

RESULTS

Of 82 FDs were included in this study. The demographic information includes age, gender, race/ethnicity, and mean Scopus H-index. This information is summarized in Table 1.

Table 1 Demographics of sports medicine fellowship directors.

Demographics
Male	80 (97.5%)
Female	2 (2.5%)
Race/ethnicity
Caucasian	84.15% (n = 69)
Asian-Americans	7.32% (n = 6)
Hispanic/Latinos	2.44% (n = 2)
African American	2.44% (n = 2)
Other	3.66% (n = 3)
Mean age, yr	56 ± 9.00 (n = 76)
Mean FD Scopus H-index	23.49 ± 16.57 (n = 81)

FD: Fellowship director.

Table 2 presents a detailed overview of educational, employment, and leadership progression of sports medicine FDs, including mean calendar years for completion of residency and fellowship training, mean duration from fellowship graduation until FD appointment, mean duration of employment for a FD at his/her current institution, mean duration that an FD has held his/her current position, and the average time from initial hire until FD appointment. Table 2 also details the percentages of FDs who, at the time of the study, were working at the same institution where he/she completed their residency training, fellowship training, or both residency and fellowship training. Correlation of research productivity, which was measured in the form of Scopus H-indices, is included in Table 2.

Table 2 Education, employment, and leadership progression of sports medicine fellowship directors.

Education and employment progression	mean ± SD
Mean calendar year of residency graduation	1996 ± 15.00 (n = 73)
Mean calendar year of fellowship graduation	1997 ± 9.51 (n = 73)
Mean duration from fellowship graduation to earning position of FD	9.77 yr ± 7.33 (n = 57)
Mean duration of employment at current institution	18.20 yr ± 9.12 (n = 65)
Mean duration that FD has held position as FD	13.14 yr ± 9.54 (n = 59)
Mean time from year of hire by current institution to year promoted to FD	4.72 yr ± 7.93 (n = 64)
Institutional loyalty	n (%)
FDs currently working at same institution as Residency training	14 (17.07)
FDs currently working at same institution as Fellowship training	18 (21.95)
FDs currently working at same institution as both Residency and Fellowship training	5 (6.10)
Correlation of research productivity	r (P value)
Years as FD vs Scopus H-index	0.29 (0.02)
Age vs Scopus H-index	0.38 (0.001)1

¹Correlation is significant. FD: Fellowship director.

Table 3 demonstrates FD team physician status. Furthermore, team physician status is categorized into professional and collegiate team physicians, as well as sport specific involvement.

Table 3 Additional team physician roles of sports medicine fellowship directors, n (%).

Team physician roles
Fellowship directors’ team physician status	n = 82
Yes	57 (69.51)
No	25 (30.49)
Professional vs collegiate	n = 57
Professional	32 (56.14)
Collegiate	17 (29.82)
Both	8 (14.04)
Sport	n = 103
University-wide Athletics	26 (25.24)
Professional other	23 (22.33)
Professional baseball	20 (19.41)
Professional football	16 (15.53)
Professional hockey	8 (7.77)
Professional basketball	7 (6.80)
Professional soccer	3 (2.91)

FD: Fellowship director.

Figures 1 and 2 represent the most attended orthopaedic surgery residency and fellowship training programs, respectively. Figure 1 includes the orthopaedic surgery residency programs which trained at least 3 current FDs. Figure 2 includes the orthopaedic surgery fellowship programs which trained at least 4 current. Notably, 8 FDs (9.8%) completed two fellowships and 3 FDs (3.7%) finished three fellowships. Three FDs (3.7%) did not complete any formal orthopaedic surgery fellowship training.

Figure 1 A summary of the most attended residency training programs among current sports medicine fellowship directors. Note: Residency programs at which at least 3 fellowship directors trained were included. FD: Fellowship director.

Figure 2 A summary of the most attended fellowship training programs among Current sports medicine fellowship directors. Note: Fellowship programs at which at least 4 fellowship directors trained were included. FD: Fellowship director.

Figure 3 illustrates the distribution the Scopus H-indices for FDs in the form of ranges. In terms of Scopus H-indices, the ten most impactful sports medicine FDs in research had a Scopus H-index values between 43 and 79. (data retrieved December 1, 2019).

Figure 3 A representation of the Scopus H-indices of all sports medicine fellowship directors. Note: The Scopus H-index values are as of December 1, 2019. Interval notation is used. “[“: Indicates that the range includes the adjacent numerical value; “(“: Indicates that the range does not include the adjacent numerical value. FD: Fellowship director.

DISCUSSION

Currently, literature documenting the necessary training and skill development of physician leaders in other surgical specialties is limited[2-5]. One study in the field of general surgery, discussed the relationship between past residents’ rank lists to future academic career path[6]. Plastic surgery is another subspecialized field that has also evaluated leadership roles and trends in characteristics[7,8]. Previous studies in orthopaedics have considered the pertinent motivating factors impacting the applicant selection process of residency and FDs, as well as the selection process of medical students and residents when considering orthopaedic surgery as a specialty[9-15]. In discussions on appropriate or discrepant representation of gender and cultural diversity, the leadership within orthopaedics has come into focus[16-19]. Two other studies have described demographic characteristics for spine fellowship leaders and adult reconstruction FDs which similarly noted FDs are more likely to have graduated from certain residency and fellowship programs[7,20]. As in this sports medicine cohort, the spine and adult reconstruction cohorts might attract applicants with a predilection to later seek academic leadership roles post-training[7,19,20].

Academic careers within medicine are founded upon clinical service, teaching, and research. Involvement and, naturally, productivity in research is a significant metric among those who achieve academic leadership positions. One study, by Cvetanovich et al[21] concluded that a higher cumulative h index correlated with higher academic rank among AOSSM sports medicine fellowship faculty[21]. Our analysis reveals a mean Scopus H-index of 23.49 (± 16.57) for sports medicine FDs which is considered high. Paralleled to these findings in research productivity, our results indicated that clinical experience is a crucial factor to sports medicine leadership appointment as the mean duration from fellowship graduation to FD appointment was 9.77 years (± 7.33 years). This data is similar to the results in the other orthopaedics FD demographic studies. Spine FDs’ mean duration from fellowship graduation to FD appointment was 8.59 years, while, adult reconstruction FD’s had a mean duration 9.55 years[7,20]. The average age of sports medicine FDs was 56 years-old. Compared to an average age 52.85 years and 52.60 years for spine and adult reconstruction FDs, respectively[7,20].

Based on our data, a select group of residency and fellowship training programs have a predilection for producing future sports medicine FDs. The residency program most commonly attended by current sports medicine FDs produced 8 current directors, while six other residency programs produced between 3 and 4 current FDs each. Interestingly, 8 FDs (9.75%) graduated from two fellowships and 3 FDs (3.66%) graduated from three fellowships. Unusually, 3 FDs (3.66%) did not undergo any post-residency training most likely because they completed their training before the 1990s.

In our study, we noted that 91.5% (n = 76) of FDs were AOSSM members. While subspeciality society membership is not a requirement to be in an academic leadership role, the benefits of such societies can give orthopaedic surgeons more access to collaborative research, networking opportunities, team physician skills as well as committee leadership positions. These early leadership roles can develop the necessary skillset required to transition into a FD role later in one’s career. AOSSM is a society with a mission to foster the development and growth of all those affiliated in the care of athletes, and through this affords an aspiring FD access to the annual meeting, scholarships, faculty resources, online education and recertification aid. These many facets of the society all likely contribute to the growth of these surgeons into academic leaders. Specifically, words from the presidential address at 43^rd annual AOSSM meeting highlight these concepts well “AOSSM inspires all of us to participate in the organization, strive for excellence in the care of our patients, produce outstanding research, and share knowledge and educate ourselves.”[22]

Among fellowship programs attended, two programs each produced 10 current sports medicine FDs, while the next five programs produced between 4 and 7 FDs each. Overall, the top seven fellowship programs produced 57.32% (n = 47) of all the current sports medicine FDs. Interestingly, there was significant overlap in the training sites for both the sports and spine leadership training and show some overlap between sports and adult reconstruction[7,20]. This may indicate that attending specific fellowship training programs may correlate with future academic leadership possibilities. These programs potentially offer specific training curricula that foster the development of vital skills that translate well into leadership roles, perhaps through mentor style training between residents of different training levels and attendings alike. It is also likely that these institutions provide increased access to scholarly activity and have more research staff. This is supported by a study that included all faculty at United States adult reconstruction fellowship programs that indicated that most of the literature in adult reconstruction is generated from a small subset of academic institutions[23]. Thus, orthopaedic surgeons in-training interested in pursuing academic leadership positions may be more incentivized to select programs that promote orthopaedic surgery research. Program reputation and professional networks might serve as additional factors that could potentially play a role in the association of these specific programs with current FDs. These are just some possible explanations for our findings, however this is likely multifactorial. Nonetheless, our analysis supports the correlation that attending and graduating from specific training programs has a predilection to produce future program directors.

Of the major professional sports in America, sports FDs most commonly served as team physicians in baseball, then football, followed by hockey, basketball and soccer. It was also more likely that FDs also served as team physicians for university-wide athletics and provide care for all affiliated sports teams. This is likely due to the collaborative care philosophy amongst the various team physicians part of an academic institution or because part of being the FD for an academic institution includes the responsibilities of treating all types of athletes in all types of sports.

While literature exists regarding the legality, responsibilities, ethics and financial aspects of being a team physician, currently, there is no literature describing how an orthopaedic surgeon becomes a team physician and if leadership within the field tends to influence team physician status[24-28]. Our results showed that 69.51% (n = 57) of current sports medicine FDs also served as team physicians at the professional or collegiate level or both. It is possible that the percentage of FDs as team physicians is likely not the same as non-FD sports medicine surgeons. While having a leadership position, such as FD, potentially opens more opportunities for sports medicine physicians, it may also give them increased options to be involved as a team physician. This may be due to the similar leadership skills that are required as a FD and team physician. Alternatively, it may be that athletic teams, particularly at the more elite levels, desire to have surgeons with leadership roles caring for their organizations. Aspiring sports medicine physicians, therefore, may find that being a FD might possibly enhance their chances of becoming a team physician or vice versa. Therefore, a better understanding of these objective leadership qualities may enhance the likelihood of a sports medicine surgeon achieving either/both of those roles.

Our study indicates that there is a significant gender disparity in the FD role, as females were notably under-represented at only 2.5% (n = 2) of all the current sports medicine FDs. This is actually a better representation that what was observed among adult reconstruction FDs, where no females were in an FD position at the time of the study[20]. As the healthcare profession advances, there has been a focus on the importance of overall diversity. Specifically, gender diversity has been addressed in several healthcare specialties with a broad range of findings[17,29]. Currently, orthopaedic surgery has one of the poorest ratios of female to male residents as compared to other specialties in medicine[17,29]. Although the total amount of orthopaedic surgery female residents has increased over the past 10 years, the corresponding percentage change is not as significant as other historically male-dominated specialties[29]. Moreover, certain orthopaedic subspecialties, such as sports medicine, continue to have decreased female involvement[29]. This may represent the inappropriate but historically prevalent perspective of the physicality of orthopaedics and sports medicine specifically. In addition, because of historical restrictions on females in male locker rooms, particularly at the most elite levels, gender inequality has existed in the team physician role. Most recently, the current leadership of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and more specifically the AOSSM, have identified this issue and have focused on achieving gender equality. This is evidenced by the recent female presidents of both of these organizations, the establishment of Diversity Committees within each societies’ infrastructure and the creation of educational programs in their regional, national and international meetings focused on diversity equality. In a study by Ence et al[30] it was specifically reported that a lower median H-index was observed when comparing female orthopaedic surgeons to their male colleagues[30]. And yet, most certainly some of the most impactful and important research is created by female investigators. This could be a critical issue as our study shows research productivity is a key feature to achieving leadership roles. Furthermore, the previous gender barriers in the team physician role are being removed as all types and levels of sports teams have enlisted females as team physicians[31]. As gender disparity continues to be addressed in medicine, and more specifically orthopaedics, this study could be used to support those initiatives that seek to enlist female members, to provide female access to both mentorship and research, and to encourage female participation in all leadership roles.

Our study also considered racial and ethnic diversity, demonstrating that sports medicine leadership at the FD level also lacks underrepresented minorities. Among the sports medicine FDs in the study, only 7.32% (n = 6) were Asian-Americans, 2.44% (n = 2) were Hispanic/Latino, 2.44% (n = 2) were African American and 3.66% (n = 3) were of another race or ethnicity. One study from 1999[32] and another from 2004[33], reviewed the disparities in underrepresented minorities within the field of orthopaedics, and may have played a part in progressive changes that followed. Okike et al[34] described that total minority representation in orthopaedic surgery averaged 20.2% from the years 2001 to 2008, this included 11.7% Asians or Asian-Americans, 4.0% African Americans, and 3.8% Hispanics. Upon reviewing their data, the authors believed that this was an improvement compared to years prior with regards to representation of minorities among orthopaedic residents[34]. Adelani et al[35] subsequently illustrated a regression in minority representation. The number of programs per year with more than one underrepresented minority resident fell from 61 programs in 2002 to 53 programs in 2016 and reached as low as 31 programs in 2010. Likewise, the number of programs per year without a single underrepresented minority resident rose from 40 programs in 2002 to 60 programs in 2016 and reached 76 programs in 2011. In the end, the study called for a more detailed evaluation of program-level diversity and its impact on the recruitment of underrepresented minorities to orthopaedic surgery[35]. Our data identified a similar trend to those previously reported. As the orthopaedic community continues to adapt, a focus on diversity will remain pivotal to the advancement of any healthcare system that desires to appropriately represent the population it serves. Focusing on increasing the number of underrepresented minorities in leadership positions may be one way to begin to address these disparities.

This study does have several limitations. One limitation was the use of CV for data collection. Given that CV’s are usually self-reported, there is an inherent potential bias with the possibility of reporting errors including duplication of events, failure to list appropriate research or leadership activities, and outdated information. Furthermore, this cross-sectional study design only provides information on sports FDs at a single point in time. Future studies may opt to complete a year-by-year comparison to understand the changes in the leadership over time. Lastly, a subset of sports medicine trained orthopaedic surgeons may have selected specific programs with academic career aspirations in mind with the understanding that certain training institutions tend to produce future FDs and leaders.

CONCLUSION

This study provides an assessment of current FDs within sports medicine in the United States. Currently, the field of orthopaedics has lower percentages of females and minorities in leadership roles. Gender and racial diversity of these specialties should be a continued focus. Overall, the trends identified in this study serve as objective data on current FDs within sports medicine. These trends could function as a guide for individuals who strive to become academic leaders in sports medicine orthopaedics as well as direct initiatives to achieve diversity equality.

ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS

Research background

Fellowship directors (FDs) in sports medicine influence the future of trainees in the field of orthopaedics. Understanding the characteristics these leaders share must be brought into focus. Currently, there is little research regarding the demographic landscape of these leaders.

Research motivation

The current literature highlighted a lack of research specifically using objective data analyze sports medicine FDs. By adding to this gap in the literature, this study may promote future research towards understanding further the requirements and qualifications needed to hold a leadership position in orthopedic surgery.

Research objectives

This study aimed to analyze the demographic background, institutional training, and academic experience for all current sports medicine FDs.

Research methods

A national orthopedic surgery sports medicine fellowship program directory was used to incorporate all United States fellowships and their respective FDs. Demographic information of interest included: Age, gender, ethnicity, residency/fellowship training, residency/fellowship graduation year, year hired by current institution, time since training completion until FD appointment, length in FD role, status as a team physician and H-index. This information was collected via online resources, emailed questionnaires, phone call and current curriculum vitae. Data was then complied and reviewed to evaluate for trends among sports medicine FDs. This is a novel research method for analyzing the current cohort of sports medicine FDs.

Research results

Of 82 FDs were incorporated into the study, 97.5% of which were male. 84.15% identified as Caucasian, 7.32% as Asian-American, 2.44% as African American, and 2.44% as Hispanic, and 3.66% were of another race or ethnicity. The mean age of current FDs was 56 years old, and the mean Scopus H-index was 23.49. 45.12% completed their residency training, fellowship training or both at the same institution where they currently work. Additionally, 69.5% are also team physicians at the professional and/or collegiate level. Seven residency programs least three future FDs. While seven fellowship programs produced at least four future FDs. 9.75% of FDs completed two fellowships and 3.66% of FDs completed three fellowships. 3.66% of FDs did not graduate from any fellowship training program.

Research conclusions

This study provides an overview of current sports medicine FDs within the United States and functions as a guide to direct initiatives to achieve diversity equality. This study may be referenced to help dictate efforts to address disparities in gender and racial equality in orthopedic surgery.

Research perspectives

The direction of future research should focus on the progression of leaders in orthopedic surgery, evaluating the changes in demographic and academic backgrounds of leaders in subsequent years. Applying this methodology longitudinally may prove paramount in reaching the goals the field of orthopedic surgery aims to achieve.