Comparative Analysis of Racial and Gender Diversity in Orthopedic Surgery Applicants and Residents from 2007 and 2019

Abstract

Introduction Since 1999, orthopedic surgery has noted significant gaps in racial and gender diversity. A 2007 study demonstrated that diversity in orthopedic surgery lagged behind other specialties. Our study’s purpose was to evaluate changes in orthopedic surgery applicant and resident diversity from 2007 to 2019 and to compare current levels of diversity between applicants and residents alongside 7 other specialties. Methods Using public demographic data, our study evaluated racial and gender demographics of medical school graduates, residency applicants, and residents from 2007 to 2019 for orthopedic surgery and 7 additional specialties. Furthermore, diversity metrics between orthopedic surgery applicants and residents were compared. Results From 2007 to 2019, the proportion of minority applicants increased by 26%, while the proportion of female applicants increased by 64% (p<0.001). Orthopedic surgery experienced a 10% decrease in minority resident representation, despite individual increases in some areas (p=0.004). Meanwhile, female representation increased 24% among orthopedic residents (p<0.001). When compared to other specialties in 2019, orthopedic surgery had the lowest proportions of minority and female residents (p<0.001*). Discussion Since 2007, orthopedic surgery experienced growths in minority and female applicant representation. However, additional efforts are needed to address the gaps in minority and female representation in orthopedic residencies compared to other specialties.