Personality Types of Otolaryngology Resident Applicants as Described by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator

Abstract

Objective. To assess the personality types of applicants to a single otolaryngology residency program using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. The personality types were compared with those of the general population and with physicians in other medical specialties. Study Design. Cross-sectional survey. Setting. University hospital. Subjects and Methods. A personality survey was emailed to 327 resident physician applicants over 2 consecutive years (2008-2009). Analysis was accomplished by calculating prevalence estimates. Results. Of the 327 anonymous surveys, 137 were completed (response rate = 42%). The Introverted/Sensing/Thinking/ Judging personality type was the most prevalent (14.6%), representing 13% of the general population. Prospective applicants displayed mostly Extroverted (E; 58%), Sensing (S; 54%), Thinking (T; 62%), and Judging (J; 61%) personality traits. Of the 16 personality types, statistically significant differences were found between otolaryngology resident applicants and the general population only for the Extroverted/Sensing/Thinking/ Perceiving ( P = .002) personality type after correcting for multiple comparisons. The Intuitive (N; 46%) and Feeling (F; 38%) types correlated closely with the reported personality types of those individuals in non–primary care specialties, 47% and 28%, respectively. Extroverted (E) and Thinking (T) individuals appeared to prefer surgical specialties, which occurred in 58% and 62% of the applicants, respectively. There were no significant differences between male and female applicants. Conclusion. This study examines the personality types of medical students applying to an otolaryngology residency. The results support a highly structured, data-driven teaching preference among applicants. These results may allow for a better understanding of the personalities of medical students who are interested in otolaryngology.