Race, ethnicity, and gender discrepancies between allopathic and osteopathic otolaryngology trainees from 2015 to 2023.

Abstract

Context: Existing studies have analyzed gender and race representation among otolaryngology - head and neck surgery (OHNS) applicants and residents in the United States. Further analysis by graduate medical degree type does not currently exist.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to identify and compare gender and racial disparities in osteopathic (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine [DO]) and allopathic (Doctor of Medicine [MD]) OHNS applicants and residents.

Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of sex and racial characteristics of DO and MD OHNS applicants and residents from 2015 to 2023 obtained from the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) and Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) data were performed. Differences between the aggregate proportions of applicants and corresponding residents at Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-accredited OHNS programs by graduate medical degree were evaluated utilizing chi-square tests with Yates' continuity correction.

Results: The proportion of White MD, Asian MD, and White DO residents increased compared to their corresponding applicant pools (ACGME 0.535, ERAS 0.615; Δ + 0.080; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 0.059-0.101; p<0.001), (ACGME 0.212, ERAS 0.236; Δ + 0.024; 95 % CI, 0.006-0.042; p<0.001), and (American Osteopathic Association [AOA] 0.661, ERAS 0.809; Δ + 0.148; 95 % CI, 0.032-0.159; p<0.01), respectively. Compared to MD residents, there were increased proportions of White (ERAS 0.615, ERAS 0.809; Δ -0.193; 95 % CI, -0.129 to -0.060; p<0.001) and male (ERAS 0.593, ERAS 0.685; Δ -0.092; 95 % CI, -0.080 to -0.013; p=0.01) DO residents.

Conclusions: Findings suggest that gender and racial discrepancies exist between DO and MD representation in OHNS. Further research is encouraged to examine the explanation for these differences and improve representation of the DO surgeon in otolaryngology.