A decade-long analysis of gender, race, and ethnic representation of incoming cardiothoracic anesthesiology fellows

Abstract

Purpose of review This study calls attention to the necessity for increasing representation of minority groups among cardiothoracic fellowship programs. Recent findings Demographics in medicine are changing, with more women and varying ethnicities contributing to the physician pool. Despite this change, diversity among cardiothoracic anesthesia fellows has not mirrored this trend. Summary In November of 2022, medical student, anesthesia resident and cardiothoracic fellow demographics were analyzed from 2011 to 2021 to assess the changes in program diversity. Although male and female individuals have relatively similar representation in medical schools, female individuals only represent 34.8% of total US anesthesia residents. Cardiothoracic anesthesia fellowship programs continue to be male-sex dominant and white racial representation has consistently made up a majority of the total trainees. Increasing diversity amongst healthcare providers increases the likelihood of providing culturally competent care, thereby decreasing the healthcare gap in minority communities.