Asynchronous learning among otolaryngology residents in the United States.

OBJECTIVE: Otolaryngology resident learning has historically relied on didactic lectures, textbook reading, and practical hands-on patient care. However, evidence suggests that an increasing proportion of residents in other specialties are deviating from this paradigm. This work aims to characterize otolaryngology residents' current asynchronous learning practices (i.e., personal learning outside of didactics and patient care). METHODS: A thirteen-question survey of otolaryngology residents in the United States was performed from 10/1/2020-12/1/2020 assessing demographics, educational resource utilization, and educational resource preference. RESULTS: Nearly all (99 %) respondents reported engaging with educational materials outside of didactics and case prep. Textbook reading comprised 27 % of residents' total study time, with additional time split between board-review book reading (20 %), searching the web (18 %), watching online videos (15 %), and listening to podcasts (10 %). Residents' highest ranked resources were videos, board-review books, textbooks, podcasts, and recorded lectures. Among electronic and multimedia resources, more than half of residents used the following resources: Iowa Head and Neck Protocols (91 %), Board Vitals (75 %), UpToDate (60 %), YouTube (57 %), Google (56 %), and Headmirror (54 %). CONCLUSION: Current otolaryngology resident learning involves substantial use of asynchronous learning, including videos, web-based learning, and podcasts, which currently outpace traditional textbook- and didactic-based education. This underscores the need to consider a paradigm shift within academic otolaryngology education away from textbooks and other tradition media to the generation of high-quality multimedia resources for resident learning.

Trends in Twitter Utilization Among Academic Otolaryngologists.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize Twitter utilization among academic otolaryngologists and evaluate the relationship between Twitter utilization and research productivity. METHODS: Data were collected manually from accredited US otolaryngology residency programs from July-November 2021. Program and faculty demographics were documented, including citations and H-index for faculty and Doximity reputation and US News and World Report ranking for programs. Twitter metrics were also recorded. Descriptive analyses and multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify predictors of Twitter utilization. RESULTS: Currently, 333 (16%) faculty and 70 (62%) programs have a Twitter account. Of these, 36 (11%) and 27 (39%), respectively, were created in 2020. The regression model indicates that for each 5 unit increase in H-index, the odds of having a Twitter account increase 22% (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.10-1.34, p = 0.0009). The number of faculty with a Twitter account predicts the existence of program Twitter accounts (OR:1.49, 95% CI 1.01-2.19, p = 0.04). Finally, of the 323 faculty with a Twitter account and available Scopus profile, we found that the number of individuals with Twitter use out of proportion to their academic productivity was low (n = 8/323). CONCLUSION: The H-index is a significant predictor of faculty Twitter accounts, whereas the number of faculty with Twitter is a significant predictor of program Twitter utilization. Although Twitter utilization is increasing, especially during the coronavirus pandemic, the findings indicate that there is ample room for growth, particularly amongst faculty with strong academic portfolios. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 134:1190-1196, 2024.

Conceptualizing Fit in Surgical Residency Selection: The Experience in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Fit is a crucial factor in surgical residency selection, but how this abstract concept is applied in practice is poorly understood. Person-environment (PE) fit theory suggests that there are multiple fit domains that can clarify usage: person-job, person-organization, and person-workgroup fit. We used PE fit theory to explore how otolaryngology residency selection committee (RSC) members operationalize the concept of fit. DESIGN: One-hour focus groups were conducted in November 2022. Interview questions explored participants' definitions and uses of fit in the resident selection process. Transcripts were analyzed using directed qualitative content analysis to generate themes and evaluate how these align with PE fit domains. SETTING: Society of University Otolaryngologists Annual Meeting breakout session in November 2022. PARTICIPANTS: 21 RSC members from 20 different otolaryngology-head and neck surgery departments participated in three seven-person focus groups. RESULTS: Participants described aspects of fit that aligned with PE fit domains. Person-job included how applicants fit as both surgeons and residents. Person-organization included how applicants fit with the program's characteristics, program's mission, and the local community. Person-workgroup emphasized how applicants fit with current residents. Various challenges in the selection process limited the extent to which PE fit was operationalized, including 1) ambiguous uses of fit, 2) unique features of the match process, 3) lack of outcomes data for selection decisions, and 4) interactions with diversity, equity, and inclusion goals. CONCLUSIONS: Fit manifests in various ways during the surgical residency selection process that parallel domains of PE fit theory. Recommendations are made to assist programs in using fit in resident selection, including clearly articulating definitions of fit to increase transparency in conversations. Further work on selection challenges is needed to maximize the utility of fit in practice.

Incidence of Surgically Managed Post-Tonsillectomy Hemorrhage Associated With NSAID Prescribing for Postoperative Pain Management.

INTRODUCTION: Tonsillectomy ranks high among the most common pediatric surgical procedures in the United States. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, are routinely prescribed to manage post-tonsillectomy pain, but may carry the risk of hemorrhage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective, longitudinal, secondary-data analysis study compared the incidence of surgically managed post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage (sPTH) in pediatric patients prescribed ibuprofen at Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) after tonsillectomy compared to a similar cohort of pediatric patients at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) not prescribed ibuprofen. Additional regression analysis examined predictors of sPTH at BAMC. RESULTS: The odds of sPTH was lower in patients who were prescribed ibuprofen at BAMC, relative to patients who were not at CHOP (OR 0.57, 95% CI, 0.37, 0.87; P < 0.01). In a generalized linear model evaluating BAMC patient data, there was a lack of a relationship between reason for tonsillectomy (tonsillitis versus tonsillar obstruction), primary procedure (tonsillectomy-only versus tonsillectomy with adenoidectomy), and presence of a co-occurring procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Post-tonsillectomy ibuprofen prescribing practices were not associated with an elevated risk of sPTH, relative to patients at CHOP not exposed to ibuprofen.

Continuous white noise exposure during sleep and childhood development: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND: White noise machines are widely used as a sleep aid for young children and may lead to poor hearing, speech, and learning outcomes if used incorrectly. OBJECTIVE: Characterize the potential impact of chronic white noise exposure on early childhood development. METHODS: Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched from inception through June 2022 for publications addressing the effects of chronic noise exposure during sleep on early development in animals and children. PRISMA-ScR guidelines were followed. Among 644 retrieved publications, 20 met inclusion criteria after review by multiple authors. Seven studies evaluated animal models and 13 studies examined pediatric subjects, including 83 animal and 9428 human subjects. RESULTS: White noise machines can exceed 91 dB on maximum volume, which exceeds the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health noise exposure guidelines for a 2-h work shift in adults. Evidence suggests deleterious effects of continuous moderate-intensity white noise exposure on early development in animal models. Human subject data generally corroborates these models; however, studies also suggest low-intensity noise exposure may be beneficial during sleep. CONCLUSIONS: Existing data support the limitation of maximal sound intensity and duration on commercially available white noise devices. Further research into the optimal intensity and duration of white noise exposure in children is needed.

Residency Selection in Otolaryngology: Past, Present, & Future.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the otolaryngology residency selection process, including past experiences based on the medical literature and survey analysis of our present practices to generate recommendations for future selection system design. METHODS: A mixed-methods study, including a scoping review and a cross-sectional survey, was completed. Four databases were assessed for articles on otolaryngology residency selection published from January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2020. A 36-question survey was developed and distributed to 114 otolaryngology program directors. Descriptive and thematic analysis was performed. RESULTS: Ultimately, 67 of 168 articles underwent data abstraction and assessment. Three themes surfaced during the analysis: effectiveness, efficiency, and equity. Regarding the survey, there were 62 participants (54.4% response rate). The three most important goals for the selection process were: (1) to fit the program culture, (2) to make good colleagues, and (3) to contribute to the program's diversity. The three biggest 'pain points' were as follows: (1) Large volume of applications, (2) Lack of reliable information about personal characteristics, and (3) Lack of reliable information about a genuine interest in the program. CONCLUSIONS: Within this study, the depth and breadth of the literature on otolaryngology residency selection have been synthesized. Additionally, baseline data on selection practices within our specialty has been captured. With an informed understanding of our past and present, we can look to the future. Built upon the principles of person-environment fit theory, our proposed framework can guide research and policy discussions regarding the design of selection systems in otolaryngology, as we work to achieve more effective, efficient, and equitable outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A Laryngoscope, 133:2929-2941, 2023.

Intersectionality of Race, Ethnicity, and Gender in the Otolaryngology Match From 2013 to 2019.

OBJECTIVES: Racial, ethnic, and gender disparities in the otolaryngology-head and neck surgery (OHNS) match have been described individually, but not intersectionally. Intersectionality recognizes how multiple forms of discrimination (e.g., sexism, racism) can have a combined effect. The objective of this study was to analyze racial, ethnic, and gender disparities in the OHNS match using an intersectional approach. METHODS: Cross-sectional evaluation of data from otolaryngology applicants from the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and of corresponding otolaryngology residents from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) from 2013 to 2019. Data were stratified by race, ethnicity, and gender. The Cochran-Armitage tests assessed trends over time in the proportions of applicants and corresponding residents. Chi-square tests with Yates' continuity correction were performed to evaluate differences between the aggregate proportions of applicants and corresponding residents. RESULTS: The proportion of White men in the resident pool was increased compared to the applicant pool (ACGME 0.417, ERAS 0.375; Δ + 0.042; 95% CI 0.012 to 0.071; p = 0.03). This was also the case for White women (ACGME 0.206, ERAS 0.175; Δ + 0.031; 95% CI 0.007 to 0.055; p = 0.05). In contrast, there was a smaller proportion of residents compared to applicants among Multiracial men (ACGME 0.014, ERAS 0.047; Δ - 0.033; 95% CI -0.043 to -0.023; p < 0.001) and Multiracial women (ACGME 0.010, ERAS 0.026; Δ - 0.016; 95% CI -0.024 to -0.008; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study imply that White men have a persistent advantage, while several racial, ethnic, and gender minorities are disadvantaged in the OHNS match. Further research is necessary to examine why these differences exist in residency selection, including evaluation during the screening, reviewing, interviewing, and ranking stages. Laryngoscope, 133:2558-2563, 2023.

Geographic Distribution of Otolaryngology Training Programs and Potential Opportunities for Strategic Program Growth.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the geographic distribution of US otolaryngology residents based on geographical population density to determine current status and identify potential opportunities for otolaryngology residency program expansion. METHODS: The locoregional population of otolaryngology residency programs was analyzed (as defined by the US Census) and the number of resident trainees per 100,000 people in each region was calculated. Otolaryngology residency program location was determined by mailing address, and program size was determined by AAMC public data. RESULTS: The average metropolitan city in the United States contained 2.07 otolaryngology trainees per 100,000 people. Cities with low trainee numbers per population included Phoenix, AZ (0.20 trainees per 100,000 people); Las Vegas, NV (0.26 per 100,000); Dallas, TX (0.26 per 100,000), Atlanta, GA (0.33 per 100,000); and Miami, FL (0.34 per 100,000). Comparing otolaryngology to other surgical subspecialties demonstrated similar distributions. Metropolitan centers with a population over 1 million without full academic representation in otolaryngology were also identified and included Charlotte, NC; Orlando, FL; Austin, TX; Providence, RI; Jacksonville, FL; Raleigh, NC; and Grand Rapids, MI. CONCLUSION: Strategic residency training program expansion should be considered in cities that exhibit a low trainee to population ratio. Although many factors ultimately determine program expansion or development of new training programs, this study provides substantiated population data describing where expansion could be prioritized. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 133:1600-1605, 2023.

Developing a Social Media Ontology Across Otolaryngology and its Subspecialties.

OBJECTIVE: To determine how social media is used in the dissemination of new information within otolaryngology, and to emphasize the importance of standardizing Twitter hashtag use. METHODS: Based on the 2019 SCImago journal rankings, the Twitter posts from the accounts of the top three journals covering each otolaryngology subspecialty were reviewed from August 1, 2020 to May 1, 2021. Twitter posts from the primary otolaryngology-related academic societies were also reviewed during this timeframe. A list of hashtags was generated based on a combination of the most common otolaryngologic procedures and most commonly used hashtags in the social media space. This list was then crowd-sourced with 10 fellowship-trained otolaryngologists for each subspecialty. RESULTS: Hashtag use among key stakeholders in the otolaryngology social media space varies considerably. For instance, #HNSCC, #HeadAndNeckSquamousCellCarcinoma, #HeadAndNeckCancer, #HeadAndNeckCancers, #OropharyngealCancer, #OropharynxCancer, #OralCancer, and #OPSCC were all commonly used hashtags to identify posts discussing oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. #HeadAndNeckCancer and #HNSCC were most popular and used in a total of 85 and 65 tweets, respectively. #HeadAndNeckCancer was found alone in 32 out of 85 tweets (38%), whereas #HNSCC was found alone in 27 out of 65 tweets (42%). A standardized hashtag ontology covering all subspecialties within otolaryngology is proposed herein. CONCLUSIONS: Adoption of a standardized social media ontology within otolaryngology will improve information dissemination across all key stakeholders. Laryngoscope, 133:1595-1599, 2023.

Moving Beyond Detection: Charting a Path to Eliminate Health Care Disparities in Otolaryngology.

The coronavirus pandemic has illuminated long-standing inequities in America's health care system and societal structure. While numerous studies have identified health care disparities within our specialty, few have progressed beyond detection. Otolaryngologists have the opportunity and the responsibility to act. Within this article, leaders from otolaryngology share their experience and perspective on health care disparities, including (1) a discussion of disparities in otolaryngology, (2) a summary of health care system design and incentives, (3) an overview of implicit bias, and (4) practical recommendations for providers to advance their awareness of health care disparities and the actions to mitigate them. While the path forward can be daunting, it should not be a deterrent. Throughout the course of this article, numerous resources are provided to support these efforts. To move ahead, our specialty needs to advance our level of understanding and develop, implement, and disseminate successful interventions toward the goal of eliminating health care disparities.

Superior Labial Frenulum Attachment Site and Correlation with Breastfeeding Outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: Current literature suggests that infant oral anatomy may impact breastfeeding outcomes. Our research seeks to evaluate superior labial frenulum (SLF) attachment site grade utilizing a modified existing system and investigate the correlation with breastfeeding outcomes. METHODS: Two hundred and eight dyads were recruited from the nursery at Brooke Army Medical Center. The neonate's SLF and lingual frenulum were evaluated and photo-documented. Photos were assessed by blinded reviewers utilizing a modified Stanford SLF grade. Breastfeeding mothers completed surveys on attitudes and associated pain with feedings 24 h postdelivery, at 2 weeks and at 2 months. Categorical data were analyzed using chi-squared tests or Fisher's exact tests. Means and standard deviations were analyzed using analysis of variance or Wilcoxon's test. RESULTS: At 2 weeks and 2 months, 86.8% and 72.8% were breastfeeding, respectively. At 2 months, SLF grade 1 newborn dyads had a significantly lower breastfeeding rate (50.0%) compared to SLF grade 2 (75.3%) and SLF grade 3 (85.7%) subjects (p = 0.0384). At 2 weeks and 2 months, there was no difference between SLF groups with regard to maternal breastfeeding attitudes or pain scores. There was no significant difference in terms of weight, referrals, or lingual-labial frenulectomy between SLF groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows no correlation between SLF attachment grade and breastfeeding outcomes to include length of breastfeeding, maternally reported confidence, maternal pain, or infant weight. Our findings do not support labial frenulectomy based on SLF grade alone and highlight the need for a more robust functional grading system. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2 Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine. http://www.cebm.net/index.aspx?o=5653 Laryngoscope, 132:2498-2504, 2022.

Implementing a "Distance Traveled" Question to Improve Resident Diversity: Process and Feasibility.

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.

Development of the National Otolaryngology Interest Group: Conception to Implementation.

Otolaryngology is a small and highly sought-after surgical subspecialty with sparse residency positions, making it competitive to match into. Allopathic (MD) students without home otolaryngology residency programs, osteopathic (DO) medical students, and underrepresented minorities have historically faced additional challenges in matching into otolaryngology. These specific populations generally experience limited opportunities in establishing mentors, engaging in scholarly activity, and gaining early exposure to clinical settings. Even though the American Osteopathic Association and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education merger was in part established to create equity among applicants, there remains a substantial disparity among the match rates of medical students of various educational and cultural backgrounds. The National Otolaryngology Interest Group is a student-led interest group created to provide all medical students, especially those facing barriers, with the resources needed to best prepare for matching into an otolaryngology residency program and ultimately a career in otolaryngology.

Otolaryngology residency selection: are we doing it right?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This article will provide an overview of recent disruptions to the otolaryngology residency match process and conclude with questions and resources that can guide future selection system design. RECENT FINDINGS: During the implementation of the single accreditation system, the loss of osteopathic programs, reduction of osteopathic leadership positions, and lack of interest in Osteopathic Recognition represent serious threats to the profession; this has implications for the distribution of the otolaryngology workforce, plausibly decreasing healthcare access in less-populated communities. Next, the impacts of COVID-19 reverberated throughout the application process, including the reduction/elimination of away rotations, modification of application requirements, conversion to virtual interviews, and initiation of preference signaling. Soon, the transition to pass/fail scoring for the United States Medical Licensing Exam Step 1 could stimulate a paradigm shift, with a heightened emphasis on holistic review. SUMMARY: The last two match cycles have been the most dynamic and unpredictable in decades. Out of the commotion, the otolaryngology community has an opportunity for a fresh start, combining insights from past literature with recent articles compiled for this review. Moving forward, it will be advantageous to approach residency selection as a well-executed quality improvement project, requiring continuous assessment and adjustment.

Evidence of Specialty-Specific Gender Disparities in Resident Recruitment and Selection.

BACKGROUND: Specialty-specific gender disparities are multifactorial, yet one area that is lacking from this discussion is the impact of recruitment and selection. OBJECTIVE: Customized data reports were utilized to compare trends in the gender representation of applicants and residents within 11 surgical and medical specialties between 2013 and 2018. METHODS: Applicant data was obtained from the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and resident data from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). Eleven specialties with the highest number of applications per applicant were included (dermatology, emergency medicine, general surgery, neurological surgery, obstetrics and gynecology [OB/GYN], orthopedic surgery, otolaryngology, plastic surgery, radiation oncology, radiology, urology). A Cochran-Armitage trend test assessed for changes in the proportion of females within the total applicant group and the corresponding matched resident group. A t test was utilized to compare the mean proportion of females for ERAS and ACGME data. RESULTS: Otolaryngology, plastic surgery, radiation oncology, and urology had no significant changes over the study period. Dermatology, general surgery, and orthopedic surgery demonstrated increased gender diversity in applicants over time, while OB/GYN demonstrated decreased gender diversity. General surgery and neurological surgery showed increased gender diversity in resident representation over time. Emergency medicine and radiology had increased gender diversity, and OB/GYN had decreased gender diversity in matched residents compared to applicants. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide baseline data, but also illustrate evident gaps in our understanding and attempts to improve gender diversity. A multifaceted approach to obtaining and assessing data from all stages of residency recruitment and selection is necessary to support these efforts.

Recruitment and Networking With Social Media for the Otolaryngology Match in the COVID-19 Pandemic.

COVID-19 has created new challenges and opportunities regarding the way in which programs and applicants will interact in the 2020-2021 otolaryngology residency match cycle. Social media and other virtual platforms offer a flexible and efficient medium for applicants and programs to gain information, communicate, and align interests. In this commentary, we explore ways in which social media may facilitate recruitment and networking in the virtual otolaryngology match.

Does gender impact personality traits in female versus male otolaryngology residents and faculty?

OBJECTIVE: Gender differences in personality have long been a subject of interest. This study assessed personality traits within female and male residents and faculty and evaluated for meaningful differences between the groups. METHODS: A series of web-based, commercially available, self-administered five factor-based personality assessments were given to otolaryngology residents and faculty at nine academic training programs. The psychometrically validated assessments evaluate innate personality 1) strengths, 2) challenges, and 3) motivators/values. Differences between groups were evaluated using the Mann-Whitney U test. A standardized measure of effect size, Cohen's d, was calculated to indicate the magnitude of gender differences. Subset analysis was done to examine differences between female and male residents and female and male faculty. RESULTS: Seventy-eight faculty (42.6%) and 104 residents (70.3%), responded, which included 63 female (34.6%) participants. Significant differences between females and males overall were found across four traits (mischievous, imaginative, altruistic, and commercial) out of twenty-eight (4/28; 14.3%). Subset analysis of residents revealed two statistically significant differences related to motivators/values (increased altruism in females and increased commercial in males). Faculty exhibited a statistically significant difference in one stress tendency (increased imaginative in males). When examining the seven total traits that exhibited a statistically significant difference between any of the groups (7/84; 8.3%), four were considered a small difference and three a moderate difference. CONCLUSION: When personality trait differences were identified in both otolaryngology resident and faculty populations based on gender, they were relatively small. Overall, females and males in otolaryngology exhibit significant overlap in the distribution of their personality traits. Therefore, personality-based initiatives should focus on the individual, rather than perceived gender "norms."

Otolaryngology Match Trends: Considerations for Proper Data Interpretation.

There is an extensive amount of data available from the leading organizations involved in the residency selection process. Tracking trends in otolaryngology residency applications and match outcomes is vital to understand the pipeline of individuals joining our profession. As we make changes to the application or match process, proper interpretation of available data is vital to prevent erroneous analyses and inappropriate conclusions. In the commentary, we explore the nuances of data from the Electronic Residency Application Service and National Residency Matching Program to help our specialty direct research endeavors and policy changes that will ultimately affect the makeup of our future workforce.