The Perception of Residency Experiences Among Orthopaedic Surgery Residents in the United States Differs by Race and...

Women and racial minorities remain underrepresented in orthopaedic surgery. While there is extensive research into the recruitment of these groups into the field, as well as more recent research regarding their representation in academic medicine and research, there is limited data on their experiences during residency. The purpose of this study is to assess the perceptions of orthopaedic surgery residents regarding their experiences during residency.

In mid-2022, a voluntary survey was sent to 2,122 orthopaedic surgery residents addressing mentorship, access to opportunities, and "fit" within their residency programs. Responses were compared by race and gender, with 345 responses received, yielding a response rate of 16.3%.

Compared to male and Caucasian residents, female and underrepresented in medicine (URM) residents reported feeling less satisfied with the training they received, felt less supported, and perceived greater difficulty for women and minorities in being promoted within orthopaedics. Female residents also reported having less mentorship, receiving less recognition for their accomplishments, and being less satisfied with their career choice than male residents.

The results of this study highlight the need to improve equity and inclusion within orthopaedic surgery residencies in order to continue advancing diversity in the field.