Demographic Differences in Otolaryngology Applicants Compared with Other Specialties: Analysis of 2022-2024 Match...

We analyzed publicly available data from the National Resident Matching Program to compare the demographics of applicants who ranked otolaryngology-head and neck surgery (OHNS) programs first with those who ranked other specialties first in the 2022 to 2024 Match cycles. Among 1337 applicants preferring OHNS and 110,677 applicants preferring non-OHNS specialties, significant differences emerged. OHNS applicants were more likely to be male, White, and US citizens, and less likely to identify as Asian, Black/African American, or Hispanic/Latino. They were also less likely to report indicators of socioeconomic disadvantage, including first-generation college or medical graduate status, or receipt of government assistance during childhood. No significant differences were observed in sexual orientation or disability status. These findings suggest that applicants to OHNS differ demographically from those to other specialties, with evidence of underrepresentation of individuals from historically marginalized and lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Similar trends have been observed in other competitive specialties, underscoring the need for targeted efforts to improve equity in recruitment strategies.

Level IV.