Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion or Bigotry, Inequity, and Exclusion? Applicant Perceptions of Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Programs

Abstract

AbstractIntroductionResidency applicants often evidence of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ObGyn) residency programs’ commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Online peer-to-peer discussions suggest applicants evaluate program commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through formal and informal channels and share their insights and experiences to help each other form opinions about program culture.MethodsThe study team examined applicant descriptions of ObGyn residency programs using qualitative data collected from a public resource available on the social media platform, Reddit. Using an inductive approach, the team analyzed anonymous comments in a shared document called “2020-2021 OB GYN Residency Applicant Spreadsheet” housed within Reddit to better understand applicants’ experiences with and perceptions of US ObGyn residency programs. Codes were collectively determined and assigned to 731 unique comments; this paper focuses on the codes directly and indirectly related to diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as racism, discrimination, and bigotry.ResultsWe found that applicants used visual, verbal, and behavioral cues to analyze ObGyn residency programs. Students primarily used perceptions gained in program interview days, social events, faculty social media profiles, and program websites to decipher programs’ values and internal commitment to pursuing diversity, equity, and inclusion.ConclusionsThis study emphasizes the value applicants place on residency programs’ commitments to DEI. Programs that can clearly demonstrate their dedication to DEI principles are more likely to attract a diverse applicant pool that will become the future medical workforce. Programs can provide informative context related to DEI undertakings, reducing the risk that applicants will draw erroneous conclusions from partial information.