Abstract P874: Trends in Racial and Ethnic Diversity in Vascular Neurology Fellowships From 2006 to 2018

Abstract

Introduction: The need for recruitment of neurologists from underrepresented communities has been emphasized to maintain workforce diversity in academic neurology practice. The objective of the study is to describe the racial and ethnic diversity of neurology residents (NR) pursuing vascular neurology (VN) fellowship. Methods: Cross-sectional study of race/ethnicity of NR and VN fellows using published Graduate Medical Education (GME) census reports from 2006, when race/ethnicity data were first included, to 2018. Proportions were compared using chi-square test. Non-Accreditation Council of GME fellowship data was unavailable for analysis. Results: A total of 24450 NR were included in the sample of which 12718 (52%) were White, 993 (4.1%) Black, 1973(8%) Hispanics, 8232(33%) Asians. Of 910 NR who pursued VN fellowship, 413 (49.2%, SD 12.5%) were White, 27 Black (3%, SD 2.1%), 333 Asians (34%, SD 10.7%) and 78 Hispanics (10%, SD 5%). When comparing periods 2006-10 vs 2016-18, the proportion of White NR has increased by 2% (p=0.014), however, the increase in Black NR is 0.1% and not statistically significant. The proportion of Asian VN fellows significantly increased to 43% in 2016-20 compared to 24% over the entire period (p=0.039). Conclusion: There are racial disparities among NR and fellowship trainees. Even though there is diversity among VN fellows, continued efforts should be made to promote underrepresented ethnic groups.