Best Practices for Recruiting and Retaining Racially and Ethnically Diverse Populations in Reproductive Endocrinology Research

Difficulty recruiting racially and ethnically diverse samples in research studies is not a problem exclusive to investigators in reproductive endocrinology. However, the challenges of family building can provide an added layer of difficulty in attempting to diversify samples for ART research, as infertility can often be shrouded in secrecy and shame. For minoritized patients, this can be coupled with medical mistrust due to historical exploitation and exclusion from clinical research. In this chapter, I will provide a comprehensive background of the historical and current context for the difficulties in conducting research with understudied or marginalized communities. I will then share some practical and helpful strategies based on my research and work in the field of reproductive endocrinology to overcome these hurdles. By reading this chapter, investigators interested in diversifying their samples for clinical research should walk away with actionable and effective tools to enhance the diversity of samples, thereby improving the quality of care provided to all.