Urology
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To compare the current representation of women and underrepresented minorities in medicine (URM) of the urologic resident workforce to the general U.S. ⋯ Further study should better understand barriers to entering the urologic workforce and identify strategies to encourage interest in urology among female and URM prospective trainees.
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To assess interviewing applicant perceptions of a virtual urology residency interview in the setting of changes mandated by COVID-19 and to determine applicant preference for virtual or in person interviews. Applicant perceptions of multiple interview components were queried to identify program specific and interview modality specific strengths or weaknesses in the 2020 to 2021 Urology Match. ⋯ The majority of survey respondents indicated a preference for in person interviews. A smaller proportion of applicants preferred virtual interviews citing their convenience and lower cost. Efforts to improve the virtual interview experience may focus on improving applicant-resident interaction and remote site assessment.
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To define applicant response to the 2021 Urology Residency Match Process in the COVID-19 Pandemic and to extrapolate lessons to optimize the urology resident selection process after the pandemic. ⋯ The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically changed the urology match process. The faculty and resident interviews remained the most important factors in program ranking, and most applicants agreed those were adequately replicated in the virtual format. A plurality of applicants felt that the interview process should remain virtual in a post-COVID-19 environment. The virtual application cycle reduced the cost of applying to residency.
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To address healthcare inequities, diversifying the physician workforce is an important step, and improved efforts to recruit Underrepresented in Medicine (URiM) students is vital. We aim to examine the current state of minority recruitment and provide solutions to increase diversity in urology residency training. ⋯ As we strive to improve patient care and support our URiM colleagues, diversity, equity, and inclusion must be prioritized. Despite increases in students entering medical school and the expansion of urology training spots, the numbers of URiM in urologic training remain stubbornly unchanged. This work highlights an area of residency training that requires critical transformation.
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Women are underrepresented in prestigious recognition awards in the American Urological Association.
To determine the proportion of women who received awards from the American Urological Association (AUA) and evaluate whether this has changed over time as the proportion of practicing female urologists has increased. ⋯ Despite increased representation by women in the field of urology, women remain underrepresented in awards given by the AUA. Although the proportion of women receiving awards over time has increased, it remains less than expected given the increased proportion of practicing female urologists. Strategic initiatives should be employed to help advance women in academic urology.