National Survey of Otolaryngology Program Directors Regarding Recruitment Methods for Underrepresented in Medicine Residents

OBJECTIVE

To characterize Otolaryngology residency program strategies for recruiting underrepresented minorities in medicine (URiM) residents and their perceived effectiveness, and explore perceived barriers to recruitment.

DESIGN

We conducted a survey of Otolaryngology program directors (PDs) at the 122 accredited programs within the United States, utilizing a validated and previously published survey utilized within the OB-GYN literature. We solicited information regarding recruitment of underrepresented minorities in medicine (URiM) applicants, effectiveness of strategies, and perceived barriers in recruitment.

SETTING

A national survey of U.S. accredited residency programs in Otolaryngology in 2022-2023.

RESULTS

A total of 42 (34%) PDs responded. 55% of programs reported an increase in URiM residents, of which 18(43%) described an intentional change. Almost all PDs reported placing at least “some” significance in the recruitment of URiM residents (95%). Statistically significant differences were seen in recruitment methods between programs that saw an increase in URiM resident recruitment an those that did not. Additionally, Program Directors believed that increased face-face interaction with applicants were the most effective forms of recruitment. PDs found the biggest challenge to recruitment was a lack of diverse applicants (6.3/10) and faculty (5.8/10). This perception did not change when adjusted for programs that saw an increase in URiM trainee recruitment.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates the URiM resident recruitment practices and perceived effectiveness of these strategies within otolaryngology programs nationally. The results and analysis may provide programs who are looking to diversify their workforce with some effective and meaningful strategies to start the process.