Military Otolaryngology Resident Case Numbers and Board Passing Rates from 2001‐2010

Abstract

Objectives: 1) Compare the caseloads of graduates from military otolaryngology residency programs to the national averages for the years 2001-2010. 2) Measure residency outcomes by comparing the board exam pass rates of military otolaryngology graduates to their civilian complement. Methods: Resident caseload data and board exam passing rates were requested from each of the Department of Defense Otolaryngology residency programs for the years 2001-2010. The American Board of Otolaryngology and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education provided the national averages for resident caseload for these years, as well as national passing rates on the certifying board exam. The pooled numbers from the military programs were then compared to the national averages for total cases, cases in defined categories, and board passing rates. Results: Data were available for all but one military otolaryngology residency program. Regarding total cases, only the years 2001 and 2003 showed a significant difference (p<0.05), with military residents completing more cases in those years. For the 10 year averages in individual categories, the military residents reported more cases in otology (299.6 vs. 261.2, p=0.009) and plastics/reconstruction (248.1 vs. 149.2, p=0.0003). No category showed a significant difference in 10 year average favoring the national average over the military. Military residents demonstrated a first-time board exam pass rate identical to the national average (93%). Conclusions: The results suggest that as a whole, the military otolaryngology residency programs are keeping pace with their civilian counterparts in resident education. Resident caseload has not been compromised by the war effort.