Swipe right for surgical residency: Exploring the unconscious bias in resident selection

Surgery
Al-Faraaz KassamRalph C Quillin

Abstract

Applicants provide a photo with their application through the Electronic Residency Application Service, which may introduce appearance-based bias. We evaluated whether an unconscious appearance bias exists in surgical resident selection. After the match, applicant data from the 2018 to 2019 and 2019 to 2020 application cycles were examined. Reviewers were not provided the applicant photo or self-identified race during the second cycle. Photos provided by candidates were then rated by 4 surgical subspecialty residents who had no prior exposure to applications or interview status. Photos were rated on perceived fitness level, visual appearance, and photo professionalism. An overall photo score was then calculated. In the study, 422 applications were reviewed and 164 received interview invitations during the 2018 to 2019 cycle. Alpha Omega Alpha membership (odds ratio, 2.31; 95% confidence interval, 1.18-4.51), overall photo score (odds ratio, 2.29, 95% confidence interval, 1.43-3.66), research (odds ratio, 5.61, 95% confidence interval, 2.84-11.20), age (odds ratio, 0.86, 95% confidence interval, 0.76-0.99), and step 2 (odds ratio, 1.06, 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.09) were predictors for receiving an interview. For the 2019 ...Continue Reading

Citations

Dec 9, 2020·Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology·Travis W Blalock
Apr 2, 2021·Future Healthcare Journal·Dipesh P GopalJodie Blackadder-Weinstein
Apr 27, 2021·Journal of Graduate Medical Education·Jyothi MarbinMargaret McNamara
Jun 29, 2021·Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research·Max R HaffnerHai V Le

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