Otolaryngology interest groups: A potential solution to the residency match crisis

Abstract

Objective: To determine whether medical student Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (Oto-HNS) interest groups increase student and resident interest in the specialty and influence decisions to apply to Oto-HNS residency. Methods: Two web-based surveys were distributed by the Division of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at UConn Health: one to current medical students at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine and the other to currents residents at Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education–approved otolaryngology training programs. Results: Fifty medical students and 89 residents completed the surveys. Several components were assessed in these surveys, including factors contributing to the selection process, interest group availability, attendance of meetings, availability of otolaryngology mentors, and interest in the specialty. A majority of medical students noted that interest groups play a role in influencing their interest in a medical specialty (56%). Medical students who attended Oto-HNS interest group were more likely to consider applying for otolaryngology residency (P