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Professional and Personal Development

(A1006) Fostering Diversity in Otolaryngology Through Exposure, Mentorship, and Education

Monday, October 13, 2025
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM EDT
Location: OTO EXPO, Posters
Disclosure(s):
Cindy C. Ejindu, BS: No relevant relationships to disclose.
Theresa Ann Dickerson, MS: No relevant relationships to disclose.
Jessica C. Goodwin, BS: No relevant relationships to disclose.
Clarice Brown, MD: No relevant relationships to disclose.


Introduction: Otolaryngology remains one of the least diverse specialties in medicine, with Black and Hispanic residents comprising only 5.4% and 6.8% of all residents, respectively. This study evaluates a targeted pipeline program aimed at increasing diversity in Otolaryngology by enhancing exposure, mentorship, and sponsorship in the field.

Methods: In August 2023 and October 2024, a pipeline program for URiM was held by the Emory University Department of Otolaryngology. The program included morning lectures led by academic faculty and community-based Otolaryngologists, a mentorship lunch, and an afternoon multi-station surgical simulation session. Participants completed pre- and post-surveys, assessing interest in Otolaryngology, knowledge of ENT topics, and perceived barriers to entering the field. Statistical analysis was conducted using independent t-tests performed via SPSS.

Results: 34 students participated in the pipeline program (17 each year). In 2023, students gained a mentor (0.14 vs. 0.71, p< 0.001) and the perceptions of the difficulty of matching into Otolaryngology increased (1.64 vs. 2.53, p< 0.001). Knowledge improved in tympanostomy tube placement (2.07 vs. 3.82, p< 0.001), craniofacial anatomy (3.29 vs. 4.24, p=0.018), facial plating for fractures (1.14 vs. 4.65, p< 0.001), sinonasal anatomy (2.64 vs. 4.06, p=0.002), and sinonasal surgery (1.29 vs. 3.76, p< 0.001). In 2024, statistically significant improvements were observed in suturing and knot tying (2.71 vs. 4.47, p< 0.001), middle ear anatomy (2.65 vs. 3.94, p=0.001), tympanostomy tube placement (2.24 vs. 4.74, p< 0.001), craniofacial anatomy (2.76 vs. 3.65, p=0.030), sinonasal anatomy (2.47 vs. 4.12, p< 0.001), sinonasal surgery (2.24 vs. 4.29, p< 0.001), and understanding what constitutes a strong Otolaryngology applicant (3.35 vs. 4.65, p< 0.001).

Conclusions: Underrepresented minorities remain disproportionately represented in Otolaryngology compared to the U.S. population. This two-year pipeline program highlights the critical role of early exposure in fostering diversity and increasing representation within the field.