(1115) Improving Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Otolaryngology Through Recruitment: A Survey of Residency Programs

Introduction: Understanding the current landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in a field is important for delivering effective patient care to the increasingly diverse communities we serve. Otolaryngology has historically struggled with the recruitment of diverse trainees, especially underrepresented in medicine (URiM) and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and gender minority (LGBTQ+) groups. This study aims to explore the initiatives current residency programs have taken to address this need.

Methods: We are conducting an IRB-approved cross-sectional survey of DEI initiatives distributed via Redcap to all Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS)-participating otolaryngology programs from January 2024 to the present for voluntary participation. Information on DEI perspectives with a focus on practices for reviewing and recruiting diverse candidates was collected.

Results: The survey was sent to 125 programs and shows all respondents agree DEI is important and has improved in the last 10 years (race/ethnicity (80%), gender (80%), diversity of experiences (80%), sexual orientation (30%), and religion (40%)). However, 60% believe the field falls short from a diversity perspective and only 50% agree that current department makeup meets their goal of diversity. The most sought-after factor in applicants are diversity of experiences (30%) and gender (30%) followed by race/ethnicity (40%) and gender (30%) as second choice. Practices for recruitment of URiM (80%) and LGBTQ+ (60%) groups have been established with 50% of programs using specific criteria to review applicants. DEI committees/groups have been established in 80% of programs with only 30% specifically departmental.

Conclusions: Our survey provides insights into the status of DEI initiatives in the recruitment of diverse trainees who accurately mirror our patient population. This assessment will guide us in formulating a plan to advance as a field that strives to deliver impactful patient care to diverse communities otolaryngologists serve.