Effect of Application Screening Methods on Racial and Ethnic Diversity in Otolaryngology

Otolaryngology-head and neck surgery (OHNS) lags behind other surgical subspecialties in the representation of underrepresented minorities in medicine (URMs). Given the recently announced changes to Step 1 scoring, we aimed to assess the effect of alternative application screening methods-Step 2 Clinical Knowledge scores and Alpha Omega Alpha membership-on the racial/ethnic diversity of the OHNS applicant pool. After reviewing OHNS residency applications submitted to our institution for the 2015-2020 matches (N = 2177), we determined that a significantly greater proportion of URM vs non-URM applicants would be screened out from interview consideration if any the following were used as an initial screening method: Step 2 cutoff score of 240, Step 2 cutoff score of 253 or non-Alpha Omega Alpha membership (P < .01 for each). Given that using these metrics to screen applications disproportionately affects URMs, programs should consider implementing alternative application review methods, such as holistic evaluation, which may promote more equitable distribution of interviews.

Automated summary

Otolaryngology-head and neck surgery (OHNS) has a lower representation of underrepresented minorities compared to other surgical subspecialties. The study found that using Step 2 scores and Alpha Omega Alpha membership as application screening methods negatively affected the chances of underrepresented minorities. Therefore, alternative application review methods, such as holistic evaluation, should be considered to promote equitable distribution of interview opportunities.