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Scientific Oral Presentations

Professional and Personal Development

Session: Scientific Oral Presentations - Personal and Professional Development

The Influence of Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation on the ENT Residency Experience

Monday, September 30, 2024
10:06 AM – 10:12 AM EDT
Location: MBCC, 214-215
Disclosure(s):
Walter M. Jongbloed, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Hillary A. Newsome, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Lawrence Kashat, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Kourosh Parham, MD, PhD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Erynne A. Faucett, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Katherine R. Kavanagh, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Introduction: There is no literature to date on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and other (LGBTQ+) residents in the field of ENT. Literature in other fields show LGBTQ+ residents experience higher rates of mistreatment.

Methods: A 26-question survey was distributed to all US otolaryngology residencies. Comfort with self-disclosure of LGBTQ+ status, perceived workplace environment, bullying, sense of well-being, sexual harassment, discrimination, homophobic remarks and the impact on rank list of a LGBTQ+ resident or faculty member at a program were assessed. Chi-square analysis and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare variables (alpha = 0.05).

Results: There were 63 surveys completed. Of them, 11 residents (17.4%) identified as LGBTQ+. No difference was found in comfort with disclosure of relationship to co-residents (p = 0.36) or attendings (p = 0.24) between LGBTQ+ residents and peers. There was no difference in workplace environment (p = 0.63), but LGBTQ+ residents were more likely to consider leaving their program (p = 0.01). The presence of bullying, sexual harassment and discrimination in all participants was 42.9% (most common from attendings), 19% and 41.9% (both most common from patients). There was no difference in these metrics or suicidality between LGBTQ+ residents and peers (p = 0.63, p = 0.37, p = 0.3, p = 0.22). The presence of an LGBTQ+ faculty member (p = 0.023) or resident (p = 0.045) had a positive impact on rank lists for LGBTQ+ residents. Women experienced discrimination more often than men (p < 0.0001), but there was no difference in sexual harassment or bullying (p = 0.12, p = 0.54). Half of participants (49.2%) witnessed homophobic remarks, most often from patients. 89% of residents are allies to the LGBTQ+ community.

Conclusions: This is the first study in ENT to assess the experience of LGBTQ+ residents. Many residents, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, report mistreatment. LGBTQ+ residents more commonly report thoughts of leaving their program. The presence of an LGBTQ+ faculty member or resident has a positive impact on LGBTQ+ applicants rank lists, signifying a desire for representation.

    Presenting Author(s)

  • Walter M. Jongbloed, MD

    Resident PGY-4
    University of Connecticut
    Farmington, Connecticut, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

    • Co-Author(s)

  • Hillary A. Newsome, MD

    Assistant Professor
    University of Connecticut Department of Otolaryngology
    Farmington, CT, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

  • LK

    Lawrence Kashat, MD

    Laryngologist
    Mid-Michigan ENT
    Okemos, MI, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

  • Kourosh Parham, MD, PhD

    Professor
    Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Connecticut Health Center
    Farmington, CT, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

  • Erynne A. Faucett, MD

    Assistant Professor
    University of California-Davis
    Sacramento, CA, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

    • Senior Author(s)

  • Katherine R. Kavanagh, MD

    Associate Professor of Otolaryngology
    Connecticut Children's/University of Connecticut School of Medicine
    West Hartford, CT, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.