Abstract
Since the recent establishment of a single Graduate Medical Education organization,
there has been a declining match rate of osteopathic students to competitive specialties,
particularly dermatology residency, despite the increasing number of osteopathic medical
students in the United States. The aim of this study is to investigate attitudes and
potential sources of bias affecting osteopaths in the dermatology residency application
process. This was an online survey-based study to analyze dermatology faculty and
resident considerations. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Sixteen percent (3/18) of allopathic residents and 73.68% (14/19) of osteopathic residents
experienced bias based on their allopathic or osteopathic status (p<0.002). Compared
to allopathic graduates, the main barrier for osteopathic graduates was research (p=0.00105).
Being an osteopathic candidate was associated with a lower likelihood of consideration
for mentorship by both allopathic and osteopathic faculty (p=0.044). Faculty members
who mentor osteopathic candidates are 1.83 times more comfortable with knowledge of
osteopathic schools and their respective curricula (p=0.029) and 1.77 times more comfortable
with reviewing letters of recommendation written by osteopathic faculty (p=0.037).
Limitations include self-selection bias, small sample size, and overrepresentation
of faculty and residents who participate in research studies. Additional research
opportunities for osteopathic students, more diverse mentorship programs, and education
for faculty on osteopathic concepts may promote equity during the residency application
process and professional diversity within the field of dermatology.
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Article info
Publication history
Edited by: Min Deng, MD
Publication stage
In Press Accepted ManuscriptFootnotes
Graduate Medical Education Rounds
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Published by Elsevier Inc.
