Satisfaction and gender issues in otolaryngology residency

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the otolaryngology residency experience with attention to operative experience, career guidance, and gender. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Otolaryngology residents were anonymously surveyed by mail about their residency experience. The 22-item survey was scored on a 5-point ordinal Likert scale. Responses were analyzed with respect to gender and postgraduate year (PGY) level. RESULTS: Complete surveys were returned by 261 otolaryngology residents (24% female). PGY level correlated with confidence that surgical skills were appropriate ( P = 0.003), establishment of solid career network ( P = 0.003), and confidence that surgical abilities are adequate for practice ( P = 0.028). Female residents reported less confidence that surgical skills were appropriate ( P = 0.050) and that surgical abilities were adequate for postresidency practice ( P = 0.035). Women were encouraged to enter private practice more often ( P = 0.012), were less likely to have a solid career network ( P = 0.025), and were less confident about being able to run their own practice ( P = 0.036) CONCLUSIONS: Significant differences exist for several questions regarding surgical confidence and career issues, even after correction for PGY level.