Residency Selection in Otolaryngology: Past, Present, & Future

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology Residency Selection
• Medical Education Research
• Graduate Medical Education

Background:

• Current otolaryngology (ENT) residency selection processes are evaluated.
• Literature review and program director surveys inform the study.
• Focus on improving effectiveness, efficiency, and equity in selection.

Approach:

• Mixed-methods study combining a scoping review and cross-sectional survey.
• Systematic review of literature from 2016-2020 on ENT residency selection.
• Survey of 114 otolaryngology program directors (54.4% response rate).

Key Points:

• Literature analysis revealed themes of effectiveness, efficiency, and equity.
• Top selection goals: program culture fit, good colleagues, diversity.
• Major challenges: application volume, assessing personal characteristics, and genuine interest.

Conclusions:

• Synthesized current literature and practices in otolaryngology residency selection.
• Proposed a framework based on person-environment fit theory.
• Aims to guide future research and policy for improved selection systems.