Implementing a “Distance Traveled” Question to Improve Resident Diversity: Process and Feasibility
Sherise Epstein MD, MPH,
Neeraja Konuthula MD,
Tanya K. Meyer MD,
Mark E. Whipple MD, ScM,
Sarah N. Bowe MD, EdM,
Randall A. Bly MD,
Waleed M. Abuzeid MD
Affiliations
Sherise Epstein MD, MPH
Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
Neeraja Konuthula MD
Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
Tanya K. Meyer MD
Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
Mark E. Whipple MD, ScM
Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
Sarah N. Bowe MD, EdM
Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium, Joint Base San Antonio–Ft Sam Houston, Texas, USA
Randall A. Bly MD
Seattle Children’s Hospital and Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
Waleed M. Abuzeid MD
Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
Increasing diversity in the physician workforce is important to improving racial and ethnic disparities in health outcomes in the United States. We describe the implementation of a “distance traveled” question (DTQ) in our residency application process. For the 2021-2022 cycle, all applicants to the University of Washington otolaryngology residency program were allowed to complete an optional DTQ. Responses were shared with the application review committee. Following the distribution of interview invites, an anonymous survey was sent to all faculty reviewers. The response rate was 26 of 36 (72%). Among respondents, 20 (77%) felt that the DTQ helped them learn something new about the applicant, and 19 (73%) reported that the DTQ influenced their decision making about the applicant. Thus, a DTQ may provide faculty with new and influential information regarding residency applicants.
