• Anita Sulibhavi, Matthew R Kaufmann, Kunal R Shetty, Jacqueline A Wulu, Lauren F Tracy, and Jessica R Levi.
• Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A.
• Laryngoscope. 2021 Feb 1; 131 (2): E367-E372.

ObjectiveThe gender balance within medicine, and specifically within otolaryngology, is equalizing. It is important to determine the factors that impact the distribution of female residents among otolaryngology programs in the United States to better understand factors that may affect these changing trends.Study DesignRetrospective Study.MethodsCross-sectional analysis was performed using data from 2018 of otolaryngology residents at 90 programs across the United States. Each program's website was searched for a current resident roster. Data of geography, number of female faculty, number of female physicians in leadership positions, program setting, and program size were obtained. Statistical comparison of these factors with number of female residents was performed with P < .05 as significant.ResultsThere was a significant association between programs having a higher-than-average female faculty representation and a greater representation of female residents (P < .001). Larger residency programs were more likely to have greater female representation (P = .010). There was a slight predominance of both female residents and female faculty at urban programs (odds ratio [OR] = 1.27, P = .04; OR = 1.28, P = .03). Geographic location, presence of a female chairperson, and presence of a female residency program director were not associated with higher female-to-male resident ratio.ConclusionAvailability of female role models in faculty, along with program setting and size, may be more likely to promote greater female representation. Focusing on gender equality in the workplace can help promote diversity in the workforce and improve patient outcomes.Level Of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 131:E367-E372, 2021.© 2020 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.

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