Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Advice on YouTube: Unveiling Gaps, Emphasizing Inclusivity, and Striving for...

Area of Science:

• Orthopaedic Surgery
• Medical Education
• Digital Health

Background:

• YouTube is a key resource for medical students applying to competitive orthopaedic surgery residencies.
• The quality and representation of advice in these videos require critical evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically analyze the content, creator demographics, and viewership of YouTube videos offering guidance on orthopaedic surgery residency applications.

Main Methods:

• A systematic YouTube search identified the top 100 videos related to orthopaedic surgery residency applications.
• Seventeen videos meeting inclusion criteria were independently assessed for 23 application variables, creator qualifications, and demographic representation (sex, race).

Main Results:

• Research experience and USMLE Step 1 scores were the most frequently discussed topics.
• Videos by non-orthopaedic surgeons garnered more views; Asian creators had high viewership, and male creators had higher viewership than female creators.
• Demographic representation in videos did not mirror the actual field.

Conclusions:

• Current YouTube content overemphasizes research experience and underemphasizes crucial elements like letters of recommendation and interviews.
• There is a need for more comprehensive guidance and diverse representation among content creators.
• Orthopaedic organizations should develop standardized, inclusive resources for residency applicants.