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Schachter K, Tritt A, Young M, Hier J, Kay-Rivest E, Blanc GL, Nguyen LHP. The race that never slows: Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery residency applicant parameters over time. CANADIAN MEDICAL EDUCATION JOURNAL 2023; 14:31-39. [PMID: 38226295 PMCID: PMC10787867 DOI: 10.36834/cmej.74129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Background There has been an increasing number of Canadian medical graduates who have gone unmatched in the residency selection process. Medical students have been engaging in extracurricular activities outside the formal curriculum which may help to distinguish themselves from their peers in the selection process. To understand how competitiveness in residency selection shapes applicant demographic characteristics and behaviours, this study set out to explore the demographic characteristics and prevalence of reported extra-curricular activities by applicants to Canadian Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery (OTL-HNS) residency across time. Methods A retrospective, descriptive study reviewed specific sections of the curriculum vitae (CV) of applicants to OTL-HNS programs in Canada. These sections were self-reported, and included research productivity, involvement in volunteer and leadership activities, membership in associations, and honours or awards granted. Data was quantified and analyzed descriptively. Results Between 2013 to 2017, a total of 267 applicants reported a median of 12.6 research publications, 9.6 volunteer activities, six leadership activities, six association memberships and 9.8 honours/awards. Applicants were younger over time, with proportions of applicants over 30 years old decreasing from 56% in 2013 to 9% in 2017. Conclusion Applicants to Canadian OTL-HNS residency programs are reporting consistently high numbers of extracurricular activities and were of increasingly younger ages. Medical students are investing significant time and energy to pursue these activities which are above and beyond the formal curriculum, possibly contributing to decreased diversity in applicants for competitive residencies, increasing the likelihood of misrepresentation in residency applications, and likely contributing to medical student burnout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaylie Schachter
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ashley Tritt
- Department of Pediatrics, Université de Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Meredith Young
- Institute of Health Sciences Education, McGill University, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jessica Hier
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, McGill University, Quebec, Canada
| | - Emily Kay-Rivest
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, McGill University, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Lily HP Nguyen
- Institute of Health Sciences Education, McGill University, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, McGill University, Quebec, Canada
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Jaszkul KM, Grzybowski M, Phillips T. Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery clinical electives in undergraduate medicine: a cross-sectional observational study. JOURNAL OF OTOLARYNGOLOGY - HEAD & NECK SURGERY 2022; 51:42. [PMCID: PMC9652593 DOI: 10.1186/s40463-022-00596-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (OHNS) electives provide medical students opportunities for knowledge acquisition, mentorship, and career exploration. Given the importance of electives on medical student education, this study examines OHNS clinical electives prior to their cancellation in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods
An anonymous 29-question electronic survey was created using the program “Qualtrics.” Themes included elective structure and organization, elective clinical and non-clinical teaching, evaluation of students, and the influence of electives on the Canadian Residency Match (CaRMS). The survey was distributed through the Canadian Society of Otolaryngology e-newsletter and e-mailed to all OHNS undergraduate and postgraduate program directors across Canada.
Results
Forty-two responses were received. The vast majority of respondents felt that visiting electives were important and should return post-COVID-19 (97.6%). Most said they provide more in-depth or hands-on teaching (52.4% and 59.6%, respectively). However, there was great variability in the feedback, types of teaching and curriculum provided to elective students. It was estimated that 77% of current residents at the postgraduate program that responders were affiliated with participated in an elective at their program.
Conclusions
Prior to the cancellation of visiting electives in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, electives played an important role in OHNS undergraduate medical education and career planning for students wishing to pursue a career in OHNS. Electives also provide the opportunity for the evaluation of students by OHNS postgraduate programs.
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Salehi PP, Heiser A, Salehi P, Torabi SJ, Fine RL, Judson B, Azizzadeh B, Lee YH. Otolaryngology Applicant Characteristics and Trends: Comparing OTO-HNS with Peer Specialties. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 2021; 130:929-940. [PMID: 33435722 DOI: 10.1177/0003489420987408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the recent Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (OTO-HNS) applicant characteristics, to identify which applicant characteristics are associated with successful match into OTO-HNS, and to compare OTO-HNS applicant trends and characteristics to that of peer surgical specialties (PS). MATERIALS AND METHODS Data were obtained from official reports by the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) for OTO-HNS, plastic and reconstructive surgery, orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, and dermatology from 2006 to 2019. Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) membership, United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) scores, research productivity, graduation from a top-40 NIH-funded U.S. medical school, and additional graduate degree were recorded. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated to evaluate the relationship between applicant qualifications and match success. RESULTS From 2014 to 2018, the OTO-HNS applicant pool shrunk from 443 to 333, representing the largest drop of all PS. Furthermore, OTO-HNS reported the most unfilled positions and highest match rates in 2017 (n = 14; 92.1%) and 2018 (n = 12; 94.6%) among any PS. Despite recent trends, 2019 NRMP data revealed a 38.74% increase in OTO-HNS applicant numbers compared to 2018. AOA membership (OR, 7.3; P = .030), USMLE Step 2 scores between 241 and 260 (OR, 6.5; P = .009), and research productivity (OR, 5.6; P = .005) significantly increased the odds of matching into OTO-HNS. CONCLUSIONS Despite recent fluctuations in application trends, OTO-HNS continues to successfully match highly qualified applicants, including applicants with AOA membership, high Step 2 scores, and high research productivity. An understanding of the qualifications used to evaluate residency applicants may be helpful to both applicants and residency programs of OTO-HNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parsa P Salehi
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Alyssa Heiser
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Pauniz Salehi
- College of Human Ecology, Department of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Sina J Torabi
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Rebecca L Fine
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Benjamin Judson
- Department of Surgery, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Babak Azizzadeh
- Center for Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery, Beverly Hills, CA, USA.,Division of Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yan H Lee
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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Salehi PP, Heiser A, Salehi P, Manes RP, Judson BL, Azizzadeh B, Lee YH. Ideas and Innovations to Improve the Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Residency Application and Selection Process. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2020; 164:1001-1010. [DOI: 10.1177/0194599820961989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Objective To (1) summarize strategies proposed in the recent otolaryngology–head and neck surgery (OTO-HNS) literature for improving the residency application and selection process, (2) evaluate the effects of recently implemented changes to the OTO-HNS match, and (3) discuss recommendations for future changes to the OTO-HNS residency application and selection process. Data Sources PubMed, Medline Ovid database, and article reference lists. Review Methods A structured literature search was performed to identify current English language articles relating to the objectives of this study using the aforementioned data sources, in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The search was limited to submissions published between January 1, 2015, and January 1, 2020. Conclusions Numerous proposals have been made for improving the otolaryngology residency application and selection process and addressing the competitive nature of the Match. These proposals include but are not limited to mandating a secondary essay, implementing consortia and early match processes, using a signaling system, conducting regional and web-based interviews, offering early engagement with interest groups, instituting a hard cap on applications, increasing costs of applying, counseling self-restraint to prospective applicants, and creating application filters. Implications for Practice As the volume of literature surrounding the OTO-HNS Match continues to increase, this review aims to provide a summary of past proposals and serve as a guide for possible future innovations. We propose 3 initiatives that may improve the residency application and selection process for both program and resident, with minimal impact to the current National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) Match structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parsa P. Salehi
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Alyssa Heiser
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Pauniz Salehi
- College of Human Ecology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - R. Peter Manes
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Benjamin L. Judson
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Babak Azizzadeh
- Center for Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery, Beverly Hills, California, USA
- Division of Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Yan Ho Lee
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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Dow T, McGuire C, Crawley E, Davies D. Application rates to surgical residency programs in Canada. CANADIAN MEDICAL EDUCATION JOURNAL 2020; 11:e92-e100. [PMID: 32802231 PMCID: PMC7378160 DOI: 10.36834/cmej.58444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to identify if the previously reported declining interest in surgery amongst medical students persists, and also to provide more descriptive analysis of trends by surgical specialty and medical school. Our hypothesis is that the previously reported decreasing interest in surgery remains constant for some surgical disciplines. METHODS The Canadian Resident Matching Service and the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada provided data for this study. Several metrics of interest in surgery, including overall application trends, applications by discipline, and rankings by school of graduation were evaluated. Descriptive statistics and linear regression modeling were used. RESULTS Between 2007 and 2017 the number of non-surgical residency positions and Canadian medical graduates increased significantly. However, the number of surgical residency positions and applications to surgical programs did not change significantly. The number of rankings to orthopedic and vascular surgery decreased significantly. Likewise, applicants to general, orthopedic, plastic, otolaryngology, and vascular surgery decreased significantly. Vascular surgery saw a significant decrease in first choice rankings. Total rankings to surgical programs increased significantly at McGill, with no significant change at other Canadian institutions. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study suggest that while the number of applicants to surgical residency positions has been consistent, it is not keeping pace with the growing number of both CMGs and non-surgical residency positions. Furthermore, by using other measures of medical student interest in surgical specialties, such as the total number of rankings to a specialty through the residency matching process, the total number of applicants applying to a surgical discipline and the total number of first choice ranks that each surgical discipline received, we have demonstrated that there is a possible declining interest in some surgical discipline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd Dow
- Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Connor McGuire
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Emma Crawley
- Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Dafydd Davies
- Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Division of Paediatric General & Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Salehi PP, Jacobs D, Suhail-Sindhu T, Judson BL, Azizzadeh B, Lee YH. Consequences of Medical Hierarchy on Medical Students, Residents, and Medical Education in Otolaryngology. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2020; 163:906-914. [DOI: 10.1177/0194599820926105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
ObjectiveTo (1) review concepts of medical hierarchy; (2) examine the role of medical hierarchy in medical education and resident training; (3) discuss potential negative impacts of dysfunctional hierarchy in medical and surgical training programs, focusing on otolaryngology; and (4) investigate solutions to these issues.Data SourcesOvid Medline, Embase, GoogleScholar, JSTOR, Google, and article reference lists.Review MethodsA literature search was performed to identify articles relating to the objectives of the study using the aforementioned data sources, with subsequent exclusion of articles believed to be outside the scope of the current work. The search was limited to the past 5 years.ConclusionsTwo types of hierarchies exist: “functional” and “dysfunctional.” While functional medical hierarchies aim to optimize patient care through clinical instruction, dysfunctional hierarchies have been linked to negative impacts by creating learning environments that discourage the voicing of concerns, legitimize trainee mistreatment, and create moral distress through ethical dilemmas. Such an environment endangers patient safety, undermines physician empathy, hampers learning, lowers training satisfaction, and amplifies stress, fatigue, and burnout. On the other hand, functional hierarchies may improve resident education and well-being, as well as patient safety.Implications for PracticeOtolaryngology–head and neck surgery programs ought to work toward creating healthy systems of hierarchy that emphasize collaboration and improvement of workplace climate for trainees and faculty. The goal should be to identify aspects of dysfunctional hierarchy in one’s own environment with the ambition of rebuilding a functional hierarchy where learning, personal health, and patient safety are optimized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parsa P. Salehi
- Division of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Daniel Jacobs
- Division of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Timur Suhail-Sindhu
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Benjamin L. Judson
- Division of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Babak Azizzadeh
- Division of Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Center for Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery, Beverly Hills, California, USA
- Division of Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California–Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Yan Ho Lee
- Division of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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Hu A. Reflections: Starting an Otolaryngology Medical Student Interest Group. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2019; 162:155-156. [PMID: 31684827 DOI: 10.1177/0194599819886121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A decline in applicants for otolaryngology residency spots has been reported. Several possible factors include the lack of exposure to otolaryngology, the lack of role models, work-life balance, and the competitiveness of otolaryngology as a deterrent. Our institution started a medical student interest group to address several of these factors. Key stakeholders who were engaged in this process included medical students, otolaryngology residents, and faculty members. Sustainability of the interest group was investigated with funding and succession planning. Early exposure to otolaryngology through shadowing in the operating room and research projects were initiated with a database on a website. Logistics of starting a club and organizing a clinical skills session were discussed. Awareness of our specialty and branding of the interest group as otolaryngology versus ear, nose, and throat were debated. Starting a medical student interest group in otolaryngology may be an excellent way to foster interest in our specialty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Hu
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Pacific Voice Clinic, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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A systematic review of factors affecting choice of otolaryngology as a career in medical students and junior doctors. The Journal of Laryngology & Otology 2019; 133:836-842. [DOI: 10.1017/s0022215119001816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
AbstractBackgroundThere is growing concern over a future shortfall in provision of UK otolaryngology consultants. There is a declining rate of applications to otolaryngology specialty training in the UK.ObjectiveThis study aimed to systematically review the literature to establish what factors influence medical students’ and junior doctors’ decision to pursue a career in otolaryngology.MethodMedline, Embase and PubMed databases were searched in January 2019. Additional manual reference checks of identified literature were performed.ResultsEleven articles were included in the review. Common factors that positively influenced the decision to pursue a career in otolaryngology were exposure to the specialty, positive role models and a good work-life balance. Lack of exposure was a consistent deterrent from pursuing a career in otolaryngology.ConclusionThis review reiterates the need for greater exposure to otolaryngology in the undergraduate curriculum. In addition, mentorship for students with an interest in otolaryngology should be a priority.
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