Does Resident Gender or Race/Ethnicity Affect Orthopaedic Surgery Case Volume During Residency Training?

Area of Science:

• Orthopaedic Surgery
• Medical Education
• Surgical Training

Background:

• Disparities in surgical case volumes have been noted in various specialties.
• Understanding these disparities in orthopaedic surgery residency is crucial for equitable training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate gender and racial/ethnic disparities in surgical case log volumes among orthopaedic surgery residents.
• To analyze trends in these disparities over a 9-year period.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Case Log Database for orthopaedic surgery residents (2013-2022).
• Comparison of case logs between male and female residents.
• Comparison of case logs between underrepresented in medicine (URiM) and non-URiM residents.

Main Results:

• Significant gender differences in total case volumes were observed, with women reporting fewer cases, though the gap decreased over time.
• Initial racial/ethnic disparities for URiM residents diminished, with no significant differences in recent years.
• Specific case types like Total Knee Arthroplasty showed persistent gender differences, while Hand surgery had more cases for women.

Conclusions:

• Gender disparities in orthopaedic surgery residency case volumes exist and are lessening over time.
• Initial racial/ethnic disparities have resolved in recent years.
• Targeted interventions may be needed to address persistent gender-based differences in specific surgical procedures.