The Role of Diversity in Residency Program Selection: Insights From Applicants to Integrated Plastic Surgery Programs

Prior research has identified criteria valued by residency applicants when assembling their rank lists. However, with the composition of medical trainees continuously diversifying, there has been greater emphasis on creating a physician cohort reflective of the general US census. This study aimed to evaluate if faculty/resident diversity has a similar influence as established program features on residency program selection for current applicants applying to plastic surgery residency.

A survey was administered to candidates of our institution's integrated plastic surgery residency program for the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 application cycles to gather demographic data and rate the most impactful factors influencing rank list decisions. This was done using a Likert scale to rank program characteristics from 1 (not important) to 5 (extremely important).

Our survey response rate was 27% (180/673). Female and underrepresented in medicine (URiM) applicants ranked the presence of URiM faculty within a program ( P = 0.002, P = 0.022), URiM faculty in administrative positions ( P = 0.005, P = 0.012), residents identifying as the same race/ethnicity ( P = 0.001, P < 0.001), and program participation in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives ( P = 0.001, P = 0.003) as more important than their male and White counterparts.

Although quality of life and perceived fit are universal priorities, female and URiM applicants placed higher importance on diverse faculty, resident representation, and program initiatives related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. These results suggest residency programs may appeal to more applicants by considering these factors in their future recruitment strategies.