D69. Racial/Ethnic and Gender Representation Trends of Applicants and Matriculants to Plastic Surgery Residency Programs from 2010-2018

Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate representation trends of races and genders applying to plastic surgery using novel methodology. METHODS: Reports on race and gender of medical school graduates, plastic surgery applicants, and matriculants between 2010-2018 were obtained. The proportion of each racial and gender identity among applicants and matriculants were divided by a denominator of their proportion among medical school graduates to produce representation quotients: RQapp, RQmat. Linear regression was performed to assess yearly representation changes. Non-parametric testing was used to assess differences in average representation within identities. P<0.05 was deemed significant. RESULTS: There were 4,251 applicants and 1,197 matriculants. Among matriculants, Asian men declined in representation (RQmat slope: -6.0x10-2); Asian women had increased representation (RQmat slope: +9.7x10-2). On average, all men applicants were overrepresented (RQmat=1.29). Hispanics were the most represented among women applicants (RQapp=0.87); all others had RQapp<1. For matriculants, Hispanic men (RQmat=1.41) were most represented; Black women (RQmat=0.38) were the least. Black men experienced the largest decrease in representation (RQapp=1.60 vs. RQmat=0.76; p=0.002). CONCLUSION: Black men were overrepresented among plastic surgery applicants but underrepresented as matriculants. Women remained underrepresented in both cohorts. Greater support for these groups may help reduce the apparent representation gaps.