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

• DOI: 10.1002/lio2.70066
• Publication Date: 2025-01-07T12:19:22Z
• Authors: Mary H. Kress; Evan Thomas; Hannah Turbeville; Nicholas R. Lenze; Brent Williams; Terrence Pleasant; Lauren Bohm
• Keywords: Cross-sectional study

Abstract Objective To identify differences in timing of exposure and demographic characteristics between medical students who did not consider Otolaryngology as a career choice. Methods This cross‐sectional study involved developing distributing survey by an interdisciplinary team to assess individual consideration pursuing Otolaryngology. The was administered electronically third‐ fourth‐year at single school, with small monetary incentive for completion. Descriptive statistics, Fisher's exact tests, logistic regression models were used analysis. Results A total 172 responses collected out 374 (46%). 74 (43.0%) respondents considered during school. Exposure prior school significantly associated choosing (71.4%) compared those lacked (28.6%) ( p = .048). There no significant gender difference among .537). However, our results showed race .003). Black/African American (OR 0.11, 95% CI 0.01–0.99; .049) Hispanic or Latino 0.14, 0.03–0.65; .012) less likely when identifying White adjusted Conclusions Our that early background impact student's decision career. These findings highlight the need robust recruitment initiatives. Avenues like pipeline mentorship programs are recommended recruit attract diverse applicants Level Evidence 3