ABSTRACT #45

DIVERSITY OF LEADERSHIP AND ITS INFLUENCE ON DIVERSITY OF INTEGRATED PLASTIC SURGERY RESIDENCY COHORTS: A STUDY IN THE VIRTUAL ERA

David R. Benaroch, Olachi Oleru, Hannah Dietz, Nargiz Seyidova, Alice Yao

PURPOSE AND GOALS: Many programs have enhanced their online presence to address the challenge of transitioning to online residency interviews, but it limits both programs and applicants to a virtual snapshot when determining “fit”. An important influence of “fit” is the ability to racially, ethnically, and/or culturally identify with the program. The aims of this study are (1) to better understand the online information that residency programs are making available to prospective applicants and to (2) characterize racial diversity of integrated plastic surgery programs and investigate its influence on the corresponding residency cohorts.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study of U.S. integrated plastic surgery residency programs was performed in August 2022. Data on race were collected for residency program directors and resident cohorts. Relationships between these groups were analyzed.

EVALUATION PLAN: Individual profile pictures of residents and program directors were visually analyzed independently by two authors. The Fitzpatrick scale was used as a guide with input from visually observable phenotypes including hair texture and color, eye color, and facial features. Each image was categorized as “White” or “non-White”.

Additionally, five race categories were used: Asian, Black/African American, Central Asian, Hispanic, and Caucasian. Of note, the Asian cohort was separated into Central Asian/Indian and East Asian. Any discrepancies were evaluated blindly and independently by a third author. Data tables were compared to publicly available self-reported race and ethnicity data from the AAMC.

SUMMARY OF RESULTS: Racial data were collected on 82 program directors and their corresponding residency cohorts, a total of 1,174 individuals. This data closely matched the AAMC data on race/ethnicity in plastic surgery programs. By race, the smallest percentage of resident groups are Black/African Americans (3.39%) and Hispanic (4.17%). Though not statistically significant, more residents of a given race are in programs with a director of the same race.

REFLECTIVE CRITIQUE: There are several limitations in this study. The use of skin tone and other phenotypic attributes to classify race has been previously studied and validated. However, a person’s race does not always correlate to their ethnicity. Race includes phenotypic characteristics while ethnicity encompasses social factors such as language, culture, and ancestry, and may not always include phenotypic traits. Furthermore, data was obtained from program websites and social media, with the potential to be outdated or inaccurate. However, the authors expect most programs to maintain accurate and up to date information with the increasing use of virtual platforms for applicants and patients. In addition, the authors thought it valuable to design this study based on the vantage point of potential applicants and what is available to them, as determining potential program fit may largely depend on the quality of publicly available informational materials.