Analysis of Racial/Ethnic Minority and Female Representation in theSurgical Oncology Training Pathway

Abstract

Objective This study examines trends in racial and gender diversity of trainees within Complex General Surgical Oncology fellowships. Further, this study compares the racial and gender proportions of trainees across different fields to assess potential barriers to increasing diversity within surgical oncology training programs. Methods Deidentified Accredited Council for Graduate Medical Education data were queried to identify surgical trainees between 2013-2021. Trainees were identified based on self-reported race and gender and were stratified based on residency type (i.e., general surgery and the overall trainee workforce, composed of all trainees in every program) and fellowship program if applicable. Chi-squared tests were used to assess differences between groups and trends. Results A significantly lower proportion of individuals who are underrepresented in medicine (URMs) trained in surgical oncology fellowships (8.9%) compared with both the overall trainee pool (12.8%) and general surgery residency programs (13.1%) (p < 0.05). There was no significant increase in URM representation in surgical oncology fellowships across the study period. In addition, there was a significantly lower proportion of females training in surgical oncology fellowships (38.6%) compared with the overall trainee pool (45.6%) (p < 0.05). Despite a significant increase in female representation in general surgery residency and other surgical fellowships, there was no significant increase in female representation in surgical oncology fellowships across the study period. Conclusions This study identifies disparities in gender and racial minority representation within ACGME-accredited Complex General Surgical Oncology fellowship training programs. While steps have been taken to expand diversity, more needs to be done to combat the systemic barriers that both racial minorities and women face during their training.