Implementing a "Distance Traveled" Question to Improve Resident Diversity: Process and Feasibility

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Health Disparities
• Physician Workforce Diversity

Background:

• Racial and ethnic disparities in health outcomes persist in the U.S.
• Increasing diversity in the physician workforce is crucial for addressing these disparities.
• Traditional residency application processes may not fully capture applicant potential or diverse backgrounds.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the implementation and impact of a "distance traveled" question (DTQ) in otolaryngology residency applications.
• To assess whether the DTQ provided valuable insights to faculty reviewers.
• To determine if the DTQ influenced faculty decision-making in the application process.

Main Methods:

• An optional "distance traveled" question was added to the 2021-2022 University of Washington otolaryngology residency application.
• Applicant responses to the DTQ were shared with the application review committee.
• An anonymous survey was administered to faculty reviewers after interview invitations were distributed.

Main Results:

• The faculty reviewer survey achieved a 72% response rate (26 of 36).
• 77% of respondents (20 of 26) reported the DTQ provided new insights about applicants.
• 73% of respondents (19 of 26) indicated the DTQ influenced their applicant evaluations.

Conclusions:

• The "distance traveled" question (DTQ) is a valuable tool for residency programs.
• DTQ responses offer faculty novel and influential information beyond traditional application metrics.
• Implementing DTQs may aid in diversifying the physician workforce and improving health equity.