#ENT: Otolaryngology Residency Programs Create Social Media Platforms to Connect With Applicants During COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Objective: To determine which otolaryngology residency programs have social media platforms and to review which programs are utilizing platforms to advertise virtual open houses and virtual subinternships for residency applicants. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: The study was conducted online by reviewing all accredited otolaryngology residency programs in the United States participating in the Electronic Residency Application Service. Methods: Otolaryngology residency programs were reviewed for social media presence on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Social media posts were evaluated for virtual open houses and virtual subinternships. Residency websites and the Visiting Student Application Service were evaluated for the presence of virtual subinternships. All data were collected between September 5, 2020, and September 9, 2020. This study did not require approval from the University of Alabama at Birmingham Institutional Review Board for Human Use. Results: Among 118 otolaryngology residency programs, 74 (62.7%) participate on Instagram, 52 (44.1%) participate on Twitter, and 44 (37.3%) participate on Facebook. Fifty-one Instagram accounts, 20 Twitter accounts, and 4 Facebook accounts have been created during 2020. Forty-two (36%), 30 (25.4%), and 15 (13%) programs are promoting virtual open houses on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, respectively. Two programs on the Visiting Student Application Service offered virtual subinternships. Seven residency program websites offered virtual subinternships. Nine, 6, and 1 program offered virtual subinternships on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, respectively. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that social media presence on Instagram and Twitter among otolaryngology residency programs has substantially grown in 2020 at a higher rate compared to previous years. These data suggest that otolaryngology residency programs are finding new ways to reach out to applicants amid an unprecedented type of application cycle due to the challenges presented by COVID-19. Many programs are advertising virtual open houses via social media platforms to connect with applicants, and a few programs are offering virtual subinternships to replace traditional subinternships.

Utilization of Instagram by dermatology residency programs in the era of COVID-19

“…A similar trend is observed in other specialties as well. 4 Residencies are likely leveraging Instagram to showcase their respective programs and connect with applicants. These changes are valuable in combating the challenges presented by the pandemic and importantly spotlight the need to develop guidelines to ensure best use.…”

Emerging Online Tools and Platforms for Scholarly Activities

“…Twitter journal club meetings are now frequently organized in Anglophone countries as a part of continuing professional development to improve mentees' critical appraisal skills, and as a strategy to build an online community [11,12]. Instagram is popular amongst specialists who predominantly operate with graphical materials (e.g., otolaryngologists, dermatologists) [13,14]. Dental students view Instagram, along with other social media sites, as a tool for improving their research skills, improving creative and innovative thinking, and making their learning activities more engaging [15].…”

Update on social media and otolaryngology: Pertinent positives and definite downsides

“…To review the current state of the literature regarding social media in otolaryngology, one can find general categories of publications. Most examine the rise of social media by quantifying the number of accounts and content that exist in our field 1,24‐31 . These publications typically review current uses of otolaryngology in our specialty and a majority have at least some discussion of the potential directions social media might take in otolaryngology 32‐34 .…”

“…Most examine the rise of social media by quantifying the number of accounts and content that exist in our field. 1 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 These publications typically review current uses of otolaryngology in our specialty and a majority have at least some discussion of the potential directions social media might take in otolaryngology. 32 , 33 , 34 Importantly, there is just one publication that suggests a standardized ontology, or terminology, within the field of otology to encourage seamless interaction around common otolaryngology topics.…”