F&S Celebrating 75 Part 3: The Evolution

F&S Celebrating 75 Part 3: The Evolution

Celebrating 75 Years of F&S

Part 2: The Evolution

Over the decades, Fertility and Sterility has had to evolve continuously. Its endurance and influence reflect not only the growth of reproductive science but also the journal's ability to remain fresh, efficient, and relevant in a profession that never stands still. This grounding in rigor and standard, while remaining pliable, would not be possible without the leadership of F&S editors in chief, past and present. In the third and final part of our series celebrating the 75th anniversary of F&S, we dive into an episode of Fertility and Sterility On Air, the journal's flagship podcast. In the episode, past and present editors-in-chief sat down to reflect on how the journal has transformed since its founding and the lasting impact it continues to have on science and practice.

When Dr. Alan DeCherney assumed the role of Editor-in-Chief in 1997, publishing was still firmly rooted in paper. Manuscripts arrived by mail in boxes, reviews went out by fax or phone, and publication delays stretched nearly a year.

"I received 20 boxes of articles, and the delay time was almost a year from submission to publication," DeCherney recalled. "After about five years, ASRM leadership came to me and said they wanted us to be a pilot group to do the journal electronically. We switched to the internet, and I cut the average time to six months."

In addition to streamlining operations, DeCherney emphasizes cultivating young voices. "The most important thing an editor does is help people's careers along the way," he said.

In 2011, Drs. Antonio Pellicer and Craig Niederberger succeeded DeCherney as co-Editors-in-Chief, ushering in a new era. Together, they brought international perspectives, embraced digital media, and nurtured the next generation of editorial leaders.

Pellicer noted the importance of broadening representation: "For me, it was a great responsibility as the first non-American Editor-in-Chief. We opened the editorial board not only to younger people but also more internationally."

The duo also expanded the journal's digital footprint. They introduced video articles for surgical techniques, electronic journal clubs, and interactive dialogues that kept papers alive beyond print. Niederberger reflects, "Our great challenge was curation-making people want to experience the whole journal in the electronic age."

Equally meaningful was the partnership itself. "Having Tony as a teammate was one of the best things that ever happened in my life," Niederberger shared. "That collaboration gave the journal a truly global voice."

Since 2021, Dr. Kurt Barnhart has served as Editor-in-Chief, steering Fertility and Sterility into a period of rapid growth. The journal now covers over 15 categories, ranging from genetics and mental health to epidemiology and male reproduction, while maintaining its traditional focus on endocrinology, surgery, and infertility treatment.

"My biggest pleasure is how much the journal has expanded," Barnhart said. "Genetics is a field that no one had heard of before, and now it's central. We've really broadened the scope while staying relevant across the specialty."

Throughout its history, Fertility and Sterility has navigated the evolving world of bibliometrics. While impact factor remains a driver for many authors, Barnhart emphasizes that the journal is now "about impact, not just impact factor."

With podcasts, social media, and global engagement, the journal amplifies research in new ways. Dr. Micah Hill, current Media Editor, noted: "When we bring authors onto the podcast to talk about their science, they want to publish with us. That visibility is powerful."

Perhaps the journal's most enduring contribution has been its investment in future leaders. Programs like the Interactive Associates and Editorial Fellowships have created pathways for over 50 young professionals, many of whom now serve as associate editors or board members.

It's our journal," Barnhart said. "That sense of ownership and community is what makes Fertility and Sterility so enduring."

• Latest News
• Fertility and Sterility