The state of diversity based on race, ethnicity, and sex in otolaryngology in 2016.

Abstract

To compare the representation of women and racial minorities among otolaryngology residents and faculty to other surgical specialties. Information from 2016 regarding female and minority representation among medical school graduates, otolaryngology applicants, otolaryngology residents, otolaryngology faculty and residents, and faculty in other surgical specialties was obtained from the publicly available registries from the American Medical Association and the American Association of Medical Colleges. The data obtained was used to explore the differences between the various stages of training in otolaryngology and to compare the female and minority diversity of otolaryngology residents with residents in other surgical specialties. Women and African Americans were underrepresented at the resident level compared with their level of representation as medical school graduates. Women were underrepresented in otolaryngology resident applicants (P < .001), but equally represented between otolaryngology residency applicants and residents (P = .582). African Americans were equally represented between medical school graduates and otolaryngology resident applicants (P = .871), but underrepresented in otolaryngology residents (P < .001). Asian Americans and Hispanics were underrepresented among otolaryngology faculty compared with their representation in otolaryngology residency programs (P < .001, P < .001, respectively). Otolaryngology has the lowest percentage of African-American residents and faculty compared to other surgical specialties. The representation of women in otolaryngology residencies is higher than most surgical specialties but worse than general surgery, integrated plastics, and medical school graduates. Otolaryngology lags behind other surgical specialties in representation of minorities and women. Continued efforts should be made to increase diversity in the field of otolaryngology, especially in regard to underrepresented minorities. 3 Laryngoscope, 2019.