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Video

Comprehensive Otolaryngology

(A213) Cross-Applications in Otolaryngology Residency: Trends and Influencing Factors

Monday, October 13, 2025
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM EDT
Location: OTO EXPO, Posters

    Presenting Author(s)

  • Angela M. Renne, BS

    Student
    Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
    Baltimore, Maryland, United States

    • Co-Author(s)

  • FD

    Francis Deng, MD

    Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, United States

    • Senior Author(s)

  • JC

    Jenny X. Chen, MD EdM

    Assistant Professor
    Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
    Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Disclosure(s):
Angela M. Renne, BS: No relevant relationships to disclose.
Jenny X. Chen, MD EdM: No relevant relationships to disclose.


Introduction: The competitive nature of otolaryngology residency applications often drives candidates to cross-apply to other specialties. This study examines cross-application patterns, focusing on cross-applied specialties, applicant characteristics, and factors associated with cross-application.

Methods: We analyzed otolaryngology residency applications from the 2019-2023 Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) Applicant Dataset. Cross-applicants were defined as individuals applying to otolaryngology and at least one additional specialty. Descriptive statistics identified cross-applied specialties. Chi-square tests and t-tests compared single-specialty and cross-applicants. Logistic regression modeled predictors of cross-applying.

Results: Among 2,903 applicants to otolaryngology, 50.9% cross-applied, most commonly to General Surgery (n=1,026, 35.3%) and Internal Medicine (n=590, 20.3%). 642 applied to one additional specialty (22.1%), and 339 applied to five or more (11.7%). Cross-applicants were predominantly male (55.5%), international medical graduates (IMG, 87.9%) or osteopathic (DO, 88.4%), and aged ≥30 (70.1%). They had significantly fewer research (mean difference [MD]: -1.37, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -1.64, -1.11; p< 0.0001) and publication experiences (MD: -3.27, 95% CI: -4.22, -2.32; p< 0.0001). Key predictors of cross-applying included IMG (odds ratio [OR]: 14.22; 95% CI: 6.08–34.73; p< 0.0001) or DO status (OR: 7.81; 95% CI: 4.57, 13.82; p< 0.0001), age ≥30 (OR:1.67; 95% CI: 1.25, 2.23; p=0.0006) and having fewer research experiences (OR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.86, 0.93; p< 0.0001).

Conclusions: Cross-applying is common among otolaryngology applicants, particularly for applicants with select educational backgrounds. These findings illustrate the complexity of the residency application process and the importance of tailored advising to support applicants’ goals.