Trends in research productivity among obstetrics and gynecology residency applicants in the United States: a national comparison across specialties, 2016 to 2024

BACKGROUND: Research productivity has become an increasingly emphasised component of residency selection. However, longitudinal trends in obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) applicant research output relative to other specialties remains poorly characterised, particularly in the context of evolving evaluation practices and the transition of USMLE Step 1 to pass/fail scoring. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate trends in research productivity among matched OB/GYN applicants and compare these patterns with other medical and surgical specialties from 2016 to 2024. METHODS: data from 2016-2024 was performed. Mean research experiences and research items (abstracts, posters, and publications) reported by matched applicants were extracted for each specialty and year. Descriptive longitudinal trend analyses were performed to evaluate changes over time. Mean research experiences and research items (abstracts, posters, and publications) were summarized by specialty and year, and linear trend lines were used to illustrate directional patterns. Comparisons with other specialties (all specialties, surgical specialties, and specialties with similar match rate ± 5%) were conducted descriptively. RESULTS: From 2016 to 2024, matched OB/GYN applicants saw increased mean research items (4.2 to 9.0; +114%) and research experiences (3.2 to 3.8; +19%). Growth in research output demonstrated upward trends across OB/GYN and other specialties, with increases observed across both surgical and non-surgical fields. Although unmatched applicants showed similar relative increases, matched applicants consistently reported higher absolute research output. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS: OB/GYN applicants have increased their research output in recent years like other surgical and similarly competitive fields. As programs increasingly rely on scholarly metrics, educators and residency leaders should consider strategies to ensure equitable access to research opportunities and maintain holistic review practices during resident selection.