Intersectionality of Race, Ethnicity, and Gender in the Otolaryngology Match From 2013 to 2019

Abstract

ObjectivesRacial, ethnic, and gender disparities in the otolaryngology‐head and neck surgery (OHNS) match have been described individually, but not intersectionally. Intersectionality recognizes how multiple forms of discrimination (e.g., sexism, racism) can have a combined effect. The objective of this study was to analyze racial, ethnic, and gender disparities in the OHNS match using an intersectional approach.MethodsCross‐sectional evaluation of data from otolaryngology applicants from the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and of corresponding otolaryngology residents from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) from 2013 to 2019. Data were stratified by race, ethnicity, and gender. The Cochran‐Armitage tests assessed trends over time in the proportions of applicants and corresponding residents. Chi‐square tests with Yates' continuity correction were performed to evaluate differences between the aggregate proportions of applicants and corresponding residents.ResultsThe proportion of White men in the resident pool was increased compared to the applicant pool (ACGME 0.417, ERAS 0.375; Δ + 0.042; 95% CI 0.012 to 0.071; p = 0.03). This was also the case for White women (ACGME 0.206, ERAS 0.175; Δ + 0.031; 95% CI 0.007 to 0.055; p = 0.05). In contrast, there was a smaller proportion of residents compared to applicants among Multiracial men (ACGME 0.014, ERAS 0.047; Δ − 0.033; 95% CI −0.043 to −0.023; p < 0.001) and Multiracial women (ACGME 0.010, ERAS 0.026; Δ − 0.016; 95% CI −0.024 to −0.008; p < 0.001).ConclusionThe findings of this study imply that White men have a persistent advantage, while several racial, ethnic, and gender minorities are disadvantaged in the OHNS match. Further research is necessary to examine why these differences exist in residency selection, including evaluation during the screening, reviewing, interviewing, and ranking stages. Laryngoscope, 133:2558–2563, 2023

Association of Virtual Away Rotations With Residency Applicant Outcomes in Otolaryngology

“…Applicant‐reported data from the 2018 to 2020 match years in otolaryngology suggest an average spending of about $2437 for away rotations per applicant over the course of an application cycle 5 . Addressing the cost burden of away rotations could improve the pathway for URiM applicants in otolaryngology, which has significant race‐ and sex‐based disparities in resident selection and faculty promotion 6‐9 …”

“…5 Addressing the cost burden of away rotations could improve the pathway for URiM applicants in otolaryngology, which has significant race-and sex-based disparities in resident selection and faculty promotion. [6][7][8][9] Although virtual away rotations cannot replace the experience gained from in-person clinical rotations, they can allow applicants to build their knowledge base, showcase their skills, and evaluate their fit with a residency program without incurring the expenses of inperson away rotations. Given the potential role of virtual away rotations in future residency recruitment and selection cycles, further investigation into their effectiveness is warranted.…”