Evaluation of factors that impact medical student consideration of a career in otolaryngology.

OBJECTIVE

To identify differences in timing of exposure and demographic characteristics between medical students who did and did not consider Otolaryngology as a career choice.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study involved developing and distributing a survey by an interdisciplinary team to assess exposure to Otolaryngology and individual consideration of pursuing Otolaryngology. The survey was administered electronically to third- and fourth-year medical students at a single medical school, with a small monetary incentive for completion. Descriptive statistics, Fisher's exact tests, and logistic regression models were used for analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 172 survey responses were collected out of 374 third- and fourth-year medical students (46%). A total of 74 (43.0%) respondents considered Otolaryngology during medical school. Exposure to Otolaryngology prior to medical school was significantly associated with choosing Otolaryngology (71.4%) compared to those who lacked exposure (28.6%) ( = .048). There was no significant gender difference among students who considered Otolaryngology ( = .537). However, our results showed significant differences between those who considered Otolaryngology by race ( = .003). Black/African American (OR = 0.11, 95% CI 0.01-0.99;  = .049) and Hispanic or Latino (OR = 0.14, 95% CI 0.03-0.65;  = .012) were less likely to consider Otolaryngology when compared to those identifying as White when adjusted for exposure prior to medical school.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed that early exposure and demographic background impact a student's decision to consider Otolaryngology as a career. These findings highlight the need for robust recruitment initiatives. Avenues like pipeline and mentorship programs are recommended to recruit and attract diverse applicants to Otolaryngology.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE