An evaluation of otolaryngology resources at United States medical schools

Abstract

Objective: Otolaryngology (OTO) is a competitive specialty, and medical school factors outside an applicant's control, such as presence of OTO student resources and an affiliated OTO residency program, can impact the competitiveness of a student's application. This study sought to evaluate the extent of OTO resources United States (U.S.) allopathic medical schools provide to help their students be successful, and to evaluate for medical school factors which may bias toward inequitable distribution of student OTO resources.

Methods: A 48-question cross-sectional survey evaluating the extent of OTO resources was distributed by email to LCME accredited U.S. allopathic medical schools in 2020 and 2021.

Results: Schools with residency programs and where faculty were employed through an OTO or surgery department were more likely to have an Otolaryngology Interest Group (OIG), an Otolaryngology Medical Student Education Director (OMSED), and were more likely to provide opportunities for OTO research.

Keywords: Interest group; Medical education; Otolaryngology; Resources.