An Analysis of Black Women in Otolaryngology-Head and Surgery: From Training to Practice and Leadership

Introduction: Otolaryngology is a surgical specialty lacking ethnically diverse and racial minorities with Black women being the least represented group. In 2022, of 10,019 practicing Otolaryngologists, only 2.4% are Black. In this study, we aim to study and understand the current representation of Black women in Otolaryngology.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed publicly available databases of Black applicants and trainee matches and reviewed trends. Residency program websites were examined to quantify the representation of Black women at each program. Additionally, we carried out a review of the BlackOto network to evaluate the presence of Black women in each subspecialty and their corresponding leadership and faculty-appointed positions.

Results: Black applicants have increased from 6.3% to 10.5% from 2010-2023 but remain underrepresented. Program roster show Black women compose 2.6% (47/1808) across five years of training. We found only 41.6% (52/125) of residency programs had a Black resident and 28.8% (36/125) had a Black woman resident. Academic representation includes 5 named professors, 8 associate professors, and 9 assistant professors. Leaders of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) include (1 director, 1 vice-chair, and 1 associate dean). Department leaders: 2 vice chair/chief of specialty, 1 chair, 3 division directors). Professional organization leaders include 2 presidents, 2 chair, and 1 executive board member). Subspecialty representation include 10 facial plastic & reconstructive surgery,12 general otolaryngology, 6 head &neck cancer, 4 laryngology, 3 otology/neurotology, 10 pediatric otolaryngology, and 1 rhinology.

Conclusions: The current representation of Black women shows a notable disparity in applicants, residents, and practicing physicians. However, the influential leadership of current Black women breaking barriers in Otolaryngology and an increasing number of Black applicants presents an opportunity for the field to enhance the representation of a historically marginalized minority group, offering hope for a more diverse future in the field.