Trends in Demographics of Neurology House Staff in the United States (P6-2.005)

Abstract

<h3>Objective:</h3> To examine the demographic characteristics of neurology residents and fellows. <h3>Background:</h3> The lack of an adequate number of neurologists is a worldwide problem. In addition to the growing demand, inadequate diversity in the neurology healthcare workforce still exists. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> This cross-sectional study used data from the ACGME, AAMC, and the United States Census Bureau. Trends (from 2007 to 2018) in demographic characteristics were assessed using the slope and the associated p-value of a simple linear regression model, with the year as the independent variable. <h3>Results:</h3> From 2007 through 2018, the percentage of US medical school graduates in neurology residency decreased from 58% to 55% (slope = −0.25; p = 0.0004), while the percentage of international medical graduates (IMGs) decreased from 36% to 32% (slope = −0.29; p = 0.0141) and doctor of osteopathy (DO) graduates increased from 6% to 13% (slope = 0.58; p &lt; 0.0001). Although the percentage of female neurology residents increased from 39.5% in 2007 to 43.1% in 2018 (slope = 0.03; p = 0.8659), female physicians were underrepresented in vascular neurology fellowship (34% in 2018). Collectively, the percentage of underrepresented minorities in neurology residencies was low and increased only slightly over time (from 8% in 2011 to 9% in 2018; slope = 0.17; p = 0.0788). In 2018, the proportion of underrepresented minorities was smaller in neurology fellowships (5.5% neurophysiology, 12.5% epilepsy, 10.4% neuromuscular, and 12.4% vascular) compared to the population as a whole (31.3%). <h3>Conclusions:</h3> IMGs still play an important role in filling a significant portion of the neurology residencies and fellowships. DO graduates have slowly increased in neurology residencies and fellowships. Members of several racial/ethnic minority groups and women are underrepresented in neurology house staff and efforts need to be taken to increase diversity. <b>Disclosure:</b> Dr. Dhasakeerthi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gil Tommee has nothing to disclose. Dr. Thatikala has nothing to disclose. Dr. Nalleballe has nothing to disclose. Dr. Onteddu has nothing to disclose.