Otolaryngology residency selection: are we doing it right?

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Otolaryngology Residency Matching
• Healthcare Workforce Development

Background:

• The otolaryngology residency match has faced significant disruptions.
• These include the single accreditation system implementation and the COVID-19 pandemic's effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent changes impacting the otolaryngology residency match.
• To provide guidance for future otolaryngology residency selection system design.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent disruptions to the otolaryngology residency match process.
• Analysis of impacts from accreditation changes, COVID-19, and USMLE Step 1 scoring transition.

Main Results:

• Disruptions include loss of osteopathic programs, reduced osteopathic leadership, and altered application processes (e.g., virtual interviews, preference signaling).
• The transition to pass/fail USMLE Step 1 scoring may increase emphasis on holistic review.
• These changes pose threats to the otolaryngology workforce distribution and healthcare access.

Conclusions:

• The otolaryngology residency match has been highly dynamic and unpredictable.
• There is an opportunity to redesign the selection process using past insights and recent data.
• Residency selection should be treated as an ongoing quality improvement project.