Association of Socioeconomic Status, Sex, Racial, and Ethnic Identity With Sustained and Cultivated Careers in Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Examine the association between sex, race, ethnicity, and family income, and the intersectionality between these identities, and sustained or cultivated paths in surgery in medical school. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study examines US medical students who matriculated in academic years 2014-2015 and 2015-2016. Data were provided by the Association of American Medical Colleges, including self-reported sex, race, ethnicity, family income, interest in surgery at matriculation, and successful placement into a surgical residency at graduation. This study examined 2 outcomes: (1) sustained path in surgery between matriculation and graduation for students who entered medical school with an interest in surgery and (2) cultivated path in surgery for students who entered medical school not initially interested in surgery and who applied to and were successfully placed into a surgical residency at graduation. RESULTS: Among the 5074 students who reported interest in surgery at matriculation, 2108 (41.5%) had sustained path in surgery. Compared to male students, female students were significantly less likely to have sustained path in surgery [adjusted relative risk (aRR): 0.92 (0.85-0.98)], while Asian (aRR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.74-0.91), Hispanic (aRR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.59-0.83), and low-income (aRR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.78-0.92) students were less likely to have a sustained path in surgery compared to their peers. Among the 17,586 students who reported an initial interest in a nonsurgical specialty, 1869 (10.6%) were placed into a surgical residency at graduation. Female students, regardless of race/ethnic identity and income, were significantly less likely to have cultivated paths in surgery compared to male students, with underrepresented in medicine female students reporting the lowest rates. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This study demonstrates the significant disparity in sustained and cultivated paths in surgery during undergraduate medical education. Innovative transformation of the surgical learning environment to promote surgical identity development and belonging for females, underrepresented in medicine, and low-income students is essential to diversify the surgical workforce.

National Institutes of Health Diversity Supplement Awards by Medical School.

BACKGROUND: Increasing medical school faculty diversity is an urgent priority. National Institutes of Health (NIH) diversity supplements, which provide funding and career development opportunities to individuals underrepresented in research, are an important mechanism to increase faculty diversity. OBJECTIVE: Analyze diversity supplement utilization by medical schools. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: All R01 grant-associated diversity supplements awarded to medical schools from 2005 to 2020. Diversity supplements were identified using the publicly available NIH RePORTER database. MAIN MEASURES: Main measures were the number of R01-associated diversity supplements awarded to medical schools each year by medical school NIH funding status and the number of R01-associated diversity supplements awarded to individual medical schools in the NIH top 40 by funding status. We also examined the percentage of R01 grants with an associated diversity supplement by NIH funding status and individual medical school in the NIH top 40. KEY RESULTS: From 2005 to 2020, US medical school faculty received 1389 R01-associated diversity supplements. The number of diversity supplements awarded grew from 2012 to 2020, from ten to 187 for top 40 schools, and from seven to 83 for non-top 40 schools. The annual growth rate for diversity supplement awards at NIH top 40 schools (44.2%) was not significantly different than the annual growth rate among non-top 40 schools (36.2%; p = 0.68). From 2005 to 2020, the highest number of diversity supplements that an individual medical school received was 56 and the lowest number was four (mean = 24.6, SD = 11.7). The highest percentage of R01 grants with an associated diversity supplement received by a school was 4.5% and the lowest percentage was 0.79% (mean = 2.3%, SD = 0.98). CONCLUSION: Medical schools may be missing an opportunity to address the continuing shortage of individuals historically underrepresented in biomedical science and should consider additional mechanisms to enhance diversity supplement utilization.

Incidence of rescue surgical airways after attempted orotracheal intubation in the emergency department: A National Emergency Airway Registry (NEAR) Study.

BACKGROUND: Cricothyrotomy is a critical technique for rescue of the failed airway in the emergency department (ED). Since the adoption of video laryngoscopy, the incidence of rescue surgical airways (those performed after at least one unsuccessful orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation attempt), and the circumstances where they are attempted, has not been characterized. OBJECTIVE: We report the incidence and indications for rescue surgical airways using a multicenter observational registry. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of rescue surgical airways in subjects ≥14 years of age. We describe patient, clinician, airway management, and outcome variables. RESULTS: Of 19,071 subjects in NEAR, 17,720 (92.9%) were ≥14 years old with at least one initial orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation attempt, 49 received a rescue surgical airway attempt, an incidence of 2.8 cases per 1000 (0.28% [95% confidence interval 0.21 to 0.37]). The median number of airway attempts prior to rescue surgical airways was 2 (interquartile range 1, 2). Twenty-five were in trauma victims (51.0% [36.5 to 65.4]), with neck trauma being the most common traumatic indication (n = 7, 14.3% [6.4 to 27.9]). CONCLUSION: Rescue surgical airways occurred infrequently in the ED (0.28% [0.21 to 0.37]), with approximately half performed due to a trauma indication. These results may have implications for surgical airway skill acquisition, maintenance, and experience.

The Association of Microaggressions with Depressive Symptoms and Institutional Satisfaction Among a National Cohort of Medical Students.

BACKGROUND: Despite substantial research on medical student mistreatment, there is scant quantitative data on microaggressions in US medical education. OBJECTIVE: To assess US medical students' experiences of microaggressions and how these experiences influenced students' mental health and medical school satisfaction. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: We conducted a cross-sectional, online survey of US medical students' experiences of microaggressions. MAIN MEASURES: The primary outcome was a positive depression screen on the 2-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2). Medical school satisfaction was a secondary outcome. We used logistic regression to model the association between respondents' reported microaggression frequency and the likelihood of a positive PHQ-2 screen. For secondary outcomes, we used the chi-squared statistic to test associations between microaggression exposure and medical school satisfaction. KEY RESULTS: Out of 759 respondents, 61% experienced at least one microaggression weekly. Gender (64.4%), race/ethnicity (60.5%), and age (40.9%) were the most commonly cited reasons for experiencing microaggressions. Increased microaggression frequency was associated with a positive depression screen in a dose-response relationship, with second, third, and fourth (highest) quartiles of microaggression frequency having odds ratios of 2.71 (95% CI: 1-7.9), 3.87 (95% CI: 1.48-11.05), and 9.38 (95% CI: 3.71-26.69), relative to the first quartile. Medical students who experienced at least one microaggression weekly were more likely to consider medical school transfer (14.5% vs 4.7%, p<0.001) and withdrawal (18.2% vs 5.7%, p<0.001) and more likely to believe microaggressions were a normal part of medical school culture (62.3% vs 32.1%) compared to students who experienced microaggressions less frequently. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the largest study on the experiences and influences of microaggressions among a national sample of US medical students. Our major findings were that microaggressions are frequent occurrences and that the experience of microaggressions was associated with a positive depression screening and decreased medical school satisfaction.

Neighbourhood walking tours for physicians-in-training.

Social and economic factors have a profound impact on patient health. However, education about these factors has been inconsistently incorporated into residency training. Neighbourhood walking tours may help physician-residents learn about the social determinants of health (SDoH). We assessed the impact of a neighbourhood walking tour on physician-residents' perceptions of SDoH, plans for counselling patients and knowledge of community resources. Using a community-based participatory research approach, in 2017 we implemented a neighbourhood walking tour curriculum for physician-residents in internal medicine, internal medicine/primary care, emergency medicine, paediatrics, combined internal medicine/paediatrics and obstetrics/gynaecology. In both pre-tour and post-tour, we asked participants to (1) rank the importance of individual-level and neighbourhood-level factors affecting patients' health, (2) describe strategies used to improve health behaviours and (3) describe knowledge of community resources. Eighty-one physician-residents participated in walks (pre-tour surveys (93% participation rate (n=75)), and post-tour surveys (53% participation rate (n=43)). Pre-tour, the factor ranked most frequently affecting patient health was 'access to primary care' (67%) compared with post-tour: 'income' (44%) and 'transportation' (44%). In describing ways to improve diet and exercise, among pre-tour survey respondents, 67% discussed individual-level strategies and 16% discussed neighbourhood-level, while among post-tour survey respondents, 39% of respondents discussed individual-level strategies and 37% discussed neighbourhood-level. Percentage of respondents aware of community resources changed from 5% to 76% (p<0.001). Walking tours helped physician-residents recognise the importance of SDoH and the value of community resources, and may have broadened frameworks for counselling patients on healthy lifestyles.

Mitigating structural racism to reduce inequities in sepsis outcomes: a mixed methods, longitudinal intervention study.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis affects 1.7 million patients in the US annually, is one of the leading causes of mortality, and is a major driver of US healthcare costs. African American/Black and LatinX populations experience higher rates of sepsis complications, deviations from standard care, and readmissions compared with Non-Hispanic White populations. Despite clear evidence of structural racism in sepsis care and outcomes, there are no prospective interventions to mitigate structural racism in sepsis care, nor are we aware of studies that report reductions in racial inequities in sepsis care as an outcome. Therefore, we will deliver and evaluate a coalition-based intervention to equip health systems and their surrounding communities to mitigate structural racism, driving measurable reductions in inequities in sepsis outcomes. This paper presents the theoretical foundation for the study, summarizes key elements of the intervention, and describes the methodology to evaluate the intervention. METHODS: Our aims are to: (1) deliver a coalition-based leadership intervention in eight U.S. health systems and their surrounding communities; (2) evaluate the impact of the intervention on organizational culture using a longitudinal, convergent mixed methods approach, and (3) evaluate the impact of the intervention on reduction of racial inequities in three clinical outcomes: a) early identification (time to antibiotic), b) clinical management (in-hospital sepsis mortality) and c) standards-based follow up (same-hospital, all-cause sepsis readmissions) using interrupted time series analysis. DISCUSSION: This study is aligned with calls to action by the NIH and the Sepsis Alliance to address inequities in sepsis care and outcomes. It is the first to intervene to mitigate effects of structural racism by developing the domains of organizational culture that are required for anti-racist action, with implications for inequities in complex health outcomes beyond sepsis.

Microaggressions, school satisfaction and depression: A national survey of nursing students.

BACKGROUND: Microaggressions are thought to negatively impact learning and mental health in underrepresented (UR) nursing students. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate three hypotheses in a sample of nursing students: (a) whether, compared to White nursing students, UR nursing students experienced higher frequency of microaggressions, (b) whether microaggressions predict lesser satisfaction with nursing training and (c) whether microaggressions are associated with higher depression screening scores. METHODS: A survey during Summer 2020 assessed 862 nursing students (71.8% female, Mean age = 28.8, SD = 9.27, 61.4% White, 20.0% UR) on microaggressions, satisfaction with their nursing program, and depression symptoms. DISCUSSION: We found that compared to White nursing students, UR nursing students reported significantly greater microaggression frequency (with Black students reporting the highest frequency), lesser nursing training satisfaction, and equivalent potential depression rates. CONCLUSION: Microaggressions deteriorate indicators of wellbeing, especially in UR nursing students. Strategic action to mitigate microaggressions and promote inclusion is needed.

Perspectives of Internal Medicine Residency Program Directors on the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Diversity Standards.

BACKGROUND: To increase diversity and inclusion in graduate medical education, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) issued a revision to their Common Program Requirements during the 2019-2020 academic year mandating that all residency programs must have policies and practices to achieve appropriate diversity among trainees and faculty. OBJECTIVE: To explore the perspectives of internal medicine program directors (PDs) and associate program directors (APDs) on the ACGME diversity standard. DESIGN: Qualitative study of internal medicine residency program leadership from academic and community programs across the USA. PARTICIPANTS: Current PDs (n = 12) and APDs (n = 8) of accredited US internal medicine residency programs. APPROACH: We conducted semi-structured, in-depth qualitative interviews. Data was analyzed using the constant comparative method to extract recurrent themes. KEY RESULTS: Three main themes, described by participants, were identified: (1) internal medicine PDs and APDs had limited knowledge of the new Common Program Requirement relating to diversity; (2) program leaders expressed concern that the diversity standard reaches beyond the PDs' scope of influence and lack of institutional commitment to the successful implementation of diversity standards; (3) participants described narrow view of diversity and inclusion efforts focusing on recruitment strategies during the interview season. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings of lack of familiarity with the new diversity standards, and limited institutional investment in diversity and inclusion efforts raise a concern about successful implementation across GME programs. Nevertheless, our finding suggests that structured implementation in the form of education, guideposts, and financial allocation can alleviate some of the concerns of program leadership in meeting the new ACGME diversity standard in a meaningful way.

Blackface in White Space: Using Admissions to Address Racism in Medical Education.

Given the long history and pervasive nature of racism in medical culture, this essay argues that diversifying efforts alone cannot address systemic racism in medical education. Positive affirmation of anti-racist values and racial consciousness in the admissions process is necessary to create a truly inclusive culture in medical education and begin to undo centuries of racial prejudice in medicine. Drawing from historic examples, scholarship on the sociology of racialized space, recent research on race and medical education, and personal experience, we propose that medical educational institutions make a more concerted effort to consider racial attitudes and awareness as part of the admissions process as well as curricular reform efforts. We also provide examples of potential ways to practically implement this proposal in the admissions process.

Denver ED Trauma Organ Failure Score predicts healthcare resource utilization in adult trauma patients.

BACKGROUND: Early identification of trauma patients who need specialized healthcare resources may facilitate goal-directed resuscitation and effective secondary triage. OBJECTIVE: To estimate associations between Denver Emergency Department (ED) Trauma Organ Failure (TOF) Score and healthcare resource utilization. METHODS: Retrospective study of adult trauma patients at Denver Health Medical Center. The outcome was resource utilization including: intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS), hospital LOS, procedures, and costs. Multivariable regression analyses were used to estimate associations between moderate- or high-risk patients, as determined by the Denver ED TOF Score, and healthcare resource utilization. RESULTS: We included 3000 patients with a median age of 42 (IQR 27-56) years, 71% male, median injury severity score 9 (IQR 5-16), and 83% blunt mechanism. Among the cohort, 1379 patients (46%) were admitted to the ICU and 122 (4%) died. The adjusted relative risk for high- and moderate-risk as compared to low risk for number of procedures performed was 2.31 (95% CI 2.07-2.57) and 1.80 (95% CI 1.59-2.03) respectively; ICU LOS was 2.87 (95% CI 2.70-3.05) and 1.71 (95% CI 1.60-1.83) respectively; hospital LOS was 3.33 (95% CI 3.21-3.45) and 1.97 (95% CI 1.90-2.05) respectively. The adjusted geometric mean for high-, moderate-, and low-risk for costs was $48,881 (95% CI $43,799-$54,552), $27,890 (95% CI $25,460-$30,551), and $12,983 (95% CI $12,493-$13,492), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The Denver ED TOF Score predicts healthcare resource utilization, and is a useful bedside tool to identify patients early after injury that are likely to require significant healthcare resources and specialized trauma care.

Leave of Absence and Medical Student Placement Into Graduate Medical Education by Race and Ethnicity.

This study examines the association between taking a leave of absence from medical school and placement into graduate medical education (GME) by race and ethnicity.

Outcomes of the Main Residency Match for Applicants With Disability.

This cohort study assesses match rates of US applicants with and without disability into specialty residence programs.

Transition From Mentored to Independent NIH Funding by Gender and Department.

This study uses National Institutes of Health RePORTER data for mentored K awards and R01-equivalent grants to all departments in US schools of medicine to characterize K-award distribution and K-to-R transition by gender and department between 1997 and 2021.

Temporal Trends in Childhood Household Income Among Applicants and Matriculants to Medical School and the Likelihood of Acceptance by Income, 2014-2019.

This study examines trends in childhood household income among applicants and matriculants to medical school and the likelihood of acceptance by income.