JBJS Open Access (Jun 2023)

Diversity in Orthopaedic Surgery Residencies Based on Allopathic Medical School Affiliation

  • Samir X. Fierro, BS,
  • Achraf H. Jardaly, MD,
  • Sohrab K. Vatsia, MD,
  • Marshall D. Williams, MS,
  • Jacob D. Taunton, DO,
  • Eric H. Gruenberger, MD,
  • Ronald A. Navarro, MD, FAOA,
  • Nima Mehran, MD,
  • Brent A. Ponce, MD, FAOA

DOI
https://doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.OA.22.00113
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 8, no. 2

Abstract

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Introduction:. Orthopaedic surgery is one of the most competitive and least diverse specialties in medicine. Affiliation of an orthopaedics with an allopathic medical school impacts research opportunities and early exposure to clinical orthopaedics. The purpose of this study is to examine the potential effect allopathic medical school affiliation has on orthopaedic surgery resident demographics and academic characteristics. Methods:. All 202 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-accredited orthopaedics programs were divided into 2 groups: Group 1 consisted of residency programs without an affiliated allopathic medical school, and Group 2 consisted of programs with an affiliated allopathic medical school. Affiliations were determined by cross-referencing the ACGME residency program list with the medical school list published by Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). Program and resident characteristics were then compiled using AAMC’s Residency Explorer including region, program setting, number of residents, and osteopathic recognition. Resident characteristics included race, gender, experiences (work, volunteer, and research), peer-reviewed publications, and US Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 scores. Results:. Of the 202 ACGME-accredited orthopaedics residencies, Group 1 had 61 (30.2%) programs, and Group 2 had 141 (69.8%) programs. Group 2 had larger programs (4.9 vs. 3.2 resident positions/year; p 0.05). Conclusion:. This study demonstrated that candidates who successfully match into an orthopaedic surgery residency program achieve high academic performance, regardless of whether the program was affiliated with an allopathic medical school. Differences may be influenced by increased representation of minority faculty, greater demand for allopathic residents, or stronger emphasis on promotion of diversity in those residency programs. Availability of Data and Material:. Available on reasonable request. Level of Evidence:. Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.