Evaluating the Impact of Gender and Race on Otolaryngology Resident Experiences Across the United States

Objective: Otolaryngology residents often encounter work-related stress and challenges during training. Sociodemographic factors influence experiences during residency; however, the impact of race and gender on otolaryngology trainee well-being during residency remains understudied.

Study design: Online survey.

Setting: US residency programs.

Methods: An anonymous online survey consisting of 59 multiple-choice questions was sent to 104 directors of Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education otolaryngology residency programs to distribute to residents. Respondents were queried regarding demographics and experiences with bias. Residents self-identified gender and race. Black, Hispanic/Latinx, Middle Eastern/North African, and multiracial residents were categorized as underrepresented minorities (URM).

Results: Sixty-one US otolaryngology residents responded to the survey, the majority of whom were women (60.7%) and white (62%). Many residents endorsed a belief that receipt of research and training opportunities was negatively impacted by bias due to race (29.5%) or gender (45.9%). More women (27%) than men (13%) reported maximal burnout, and fewer men (17.4%) than women (40.5%) expressed low confidence in ability to independently care for patients. More male (47.8%) and white (31.6%) residents strongly agreed they were thriving. 94.6% of women and 33.3% of URM residents reported being mistaken for a nonphysician, compared to 0% of white male respondents.

Conclusion: Otolaryngology residents perceived differential treatment based on race and gender, with women and URM residents experiencing greater exclusion and bias, as well as increased misidentification and decreased ability to thrive. Future work includes increasing sample size for generalizability and developing interventions that uphold equity in residency training environments.