Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statements and Initiatives on US Residency Program Websites: A Cross-Sectional Study

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are increasingly relevant in academic neurosurgery and workforce recruitment. This study assessed DEI statements and initiatives available on US neurosurgery residency program (NRP) websites, recognizing this as one objective measure of DEI efforts.

NRP websites were identified and selected based on defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Websites were examined for DEI statements, dedicated DEI language, information about current residents and faculty, disability assistance, and subinternships and residency interviews financial support.

Among 110 eligible websites, 35 NRPs (32%) mentioned DEI on their home page or mission statement. Of these, 24 programs (22%) had a specific diversity statement. Gender, race, and ethnicity were mentioned in 13 (54%), 11 (46%), and 8 statements (33%), respectively. Disability, sexual orientation, LGBTQ+, and minority statuses were noted in 5 (21%), 8 (33%), 2 (8%), and 2 statements (8%). Among the 86 programs without a diversity statement, 11 (13%) mentioned DEI, 2 (2%) discussed gender, 2 (2%) mentioned disability and gender, and 1 (1%) covered race, ethnicity, LGBTQ+, and minority statuses. Eight programs (7.2%) offered scholarships for visiting fourth-year students, but none provided financial support for residency interviews.

Dedicated DEI statements and initiatives available on NRP websites represent a tangible metric of DEI representation in neurosurgery. Our study showed substantial variation in the depth and specificity of DEI representation on NRP websites and provides a benchmark on this topic. Strategies aimed at enhancing DEI representation might enhance the future success of diversification of the neurosurgery workforce.