2024 | Lawrence O. Lin, MD*, Allyson L. Huttinger, MD†, Paris Butler, MD, MPH‡, Amanda A. Gosman, MD§, Jeffrey E. Janis, MD*
This study investigates socioeconomic disparities in the participation of extended research experience (ERE) among applicants to integrated plastic surgery residency programs in the United States. A 35-question survey was distributed to applicants during the 2019-2022 application cycles, with a response rate of 20.9%. The results show that 40.7% of respondents participated in an ERE, primarily to strengthen their application. There was a significant difference in ERE participation between respondents from Northeastern medical schools (58.8%) and other regions (P = 0.019). Additionally, a higher percentage of respondents whose parents had advanced degrees participated in EREs (P = 0.053). The study concludes that there may be geographic and socioeconomic biases in access to EREs, which could negatively impact applicant diversity. As most plastic surgeons practice in non-academic settings, applicants and plastic surgeons should consider the financial and socioeconomic challenges associated with research opportunities before participating in or recommending them.This study investigates socioeconomic disparities in the participation of extended research experience (ERE) among applicants to integrated plastic surgery residency programs in the United States. A 35-question survey was distributed to applicants during the 2019-2022 application cycles, with a response rate of 20.9%. The results show that 40.7% of respondents participated in an ERE, primarily to strengthen their application. There was a significant difference in ERE participation between respondents from Northeastern medical schools (58.8%) and other regions (P = 0.019). Additionally, a higher percentage of respondents whose parents had advanced degrees participated in EREs (P = 0.053). The study concludes that there may be geographic and socioeconomic biases in access to EREs, which could negatively impact applicant diversity. As most plastic surgeons practice in non-academic settings, applicants and plastic surgeons should consider the financial and socioeconomic challenges associated with research opportunities before participating in or recommending them.