E5466. A 5-Year Comparative Analysis of Applicant Demographics in Diagnostic Radiology and Nondiagnostic Radiology Residencies
Authors
Amir Hassankhani;
University of Southern California
Amoukhteh Melika;
University of Southern California
Ali Gholamrezanezhad;
University of Southern California
Objective:
The imperative of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the medical realm is undeniable, as it plays a pivotal role in providing unbiased healthcare. Fostering diversity in medical education and comprehending the demographic makeup of residency applicants not only propels progress but also uncovers existing disparities. This study seeks to draw a comprehensive comparison between the demographics of applicants applying for diagnostic radiology (DR) and non-DR residencies over a 5-year span.
Materials and Methods:
The research hinged on the scrutiny of data from the Electronic Residency Application Service, encompassing United States residency applicants. The focus areas encompassed the country of graduation, sex, and self-identified race/ethnicity. The dataset spanned application years 2018–2022 and underwent meticulous analysis utilizing STATA software, adhering to a statistical significance threshold of p < 0.05.
Results:
Over the span of 2018–2022, a more notable decrease in international medical graduates (IMG) applicants was witnessed in the DR group as opposed to the non-DR group (5.6% vs. 3.4%, interaction p < 0.05). The percentage of female applicants remained steady within the DR group; however, a substantial increase was observed within the non-DR group (ascending from 47.2% to 49.8%, p < 0.001). An intensified upward trend in the percentage of Asian applicants was noted in the DR group compared to the nonDR group (3.5% vs. 0.9%, interaction p < 0.1). Within the non-DR group, an elevation in Black/African American applicants (6.9% to 7.7%, p < 0.001) and Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish applicants (7.8% to 9.1%, p < 0.001) was observed, whereas the DR group exhibited no significant change in these demographics. Furthermore, the DR group boasted a higher percentage of White applicants in 2022 in comparison to the nonDR group (45.8% vs. 42.6%, p = 0.001).
Conclusion:
Recent observations underline the necessity for targeted interventions within DR residency programs to attract a more diverse applicant pool, particularly in terms of female, Black/African American, Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish candidates. This initiative ensures the cultivation of an inclusive and diverse radiology landscape.
