Evaluating gender parity in operative experience for otolaryngology residencies in the United States

Abstract

Objectives Gender disparity exists in medicine, such as differences in pay and promotion opportunities. We hypothesize that there is also a gender difference in graduate medical education as manifested by operative case volume. This study compares surgical case volume by gender for graduating US otolaryngology residents. Study Design Cohort study. Methods With data use approval from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, we evaluated the key indicator case log summaries of graduating otolaryngology residents from 2009–2017. Mean and standard deviation were used for all cases, and t‐tests were used to compare cases by resident gender. The Bonferroni method was used to adjust for multiple comparisons across years. Results Data from 1740 male and 804 female residents were evaluated. Across all years, the average number of key indicator cases reported was 778.8 and 813.6 by female and male residents, respectively, with an average difference of 34.8 cases per graduating year (95% confidence interval [CI] 19.4, 50.2; P < .001). When a resident self‐reported the role of resident surgeon/supervisor, the average number of key indicator cases reported was 602.6 and 643.9 by female and male residents, respectively, with an average difference of 41.3 cases per graduating year (95% CI, 28.0, 54.6; P < .001). Conclusion Gender‐based discrepancies in surgical case volume exist among graduating otolaryngology residents. This disparity is partially attributed to the self‐reported role in the surgery. This study has identified those discrepancies so that training programs can implement strategies to ensure improved gender parity. Level of Evidence 2b Laryngoscope, 2019