Specialties with Few Underrepresented Applicants Lack Diversity Information on Residency Websites

R I Med J (2013). 2023 Oct 2;106(9):28-30.

Abstract

Introduction: With the advent of virtual interviews and the increasing accessibility of internet resources, students increasingly rely on program websites for residency application decisions. In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated the presence of diversity or inclusion information in the least diverse US specialties' residency program websites, including dermatology, orthopedic surgery, otolaryngology, plastic surgery, and urology residency programs.

Methods: Two authors independently reviewed each Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited non-military US residency program website and ranked the websites' diversity and inclusion information using six pre-determined criteria based on previous studies in the literature.

Results: This study reveals that more than half of residency programs of each specialty met zero of the diversity and inclusion information criteria.

Conclusions: Residency program websites in the least diverse specialties are lacking important information for prospective applicants that may help signal programs' commitment to inclusivity and attract a diverse candidate pool.

Keywords: diversity; inclusion; medical education; online; residency; virtual resources; websites.

MeSH terms

  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Education, Medical, Graduate
  • Humans
  • Internet
  • Internship and Residency*
  • Medicine*