The Effect of Implicit Bias on the OB/GYN Residency Application Process

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Health Equity
• Implicit Bias Research

Background:

• Medical students from minority racial backgrounds often face more negative evaluations.
• Implicit bias may contribute to disparities in academic medical settings.
• Previous research suggests potential biases in physician evaluations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate racial bias in obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) residency application reviews.
• To determine if White applicants are preferred over Asian and Black applicants by reviewers.
• To assess reviewer preference based on identical applicant qualifications.

Main Methods:

• Academic OB/GYN physicians reviewed simulated residency applications (Electronic Residency Application Service profiles).
• Applications were stratified by qualifications (USMLE scores, institution, letters) and race (White, Asian, Black).
• Reviewers ranked applicants, and statistical analysis (generalized estimating equations) identified preference patterns.

Main Results:

• A significant preference for White applicants was observed over both Black and Asian applicants.
• This preference persisted even when applicant qualifications were identical.
• No significant demographic differences were found among the 103 participants who ranked applicants.

Conclusions:

• Implicit bias may influence OB/GYN residency application reviews, favoring White candidates.
• Identical qualifications did not eliminate racial preference among reviewers.
• Findings underscore the need for bias mitigation strategies in medical education and recruitment.