Purpose: To determine if preparatory experience prior to OB/Gyn residency differs by racial identity, and whether this associates with confidence.
Background: Studies have demonstrated differences in clinical grading on the basis of student race; however, no study has previously sought to assess whether minority students report less clinical experience than their peers. This may impact their confidence entering residency.
Methods: Prior to receiving a novel residency preparatory curriculum, MS4s entering OB/Gyn residency programs were surveyed about their OB/Gyn clerkship, access to boot camps, their clinical experience numbers, and self-confidence in various domains. Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to evaluate association of racial identity with clinical experiences and confidence.
Results: 1056 MS4s responded to the pre-intervention survey. Non-white students were more likely to report lower cumulative clinical experiences (p < 0.001). Notably, non-white students reported strikingly fewer suturing opportunities compared to white students (median=10, IQR 5-20 vs median=20, IQR 10-30, p < 0.001). Additionally, non-white MS4s reported fewer median experiences with hysterectomies (p < 0.001), but not deliveries (p = 0.16). Non-white students were less likely to have access to a boot camp (p = 0.046). Non-white students reported lower confidence in their medical knowledge (p < 0.001), technical skills (p = 0.001), and medical school preparation (p = 0.001).
Discussions: Non-white students have lower confidence, less opportunity for boot camps, and less clinical experience entering residency than their white peers. Strategies to ensure new residents are “ready for day one” should promote educational equity.
Topics: CREOG & APGO Annual Meeting, 2022, Student, Resident, Faculty, Clerkship Director, Clerkship Coordinator, Osteopathic Faculty, Residency Director, Residency Coordinator, Medical Knowledge, Systems-Based Practice & Improvement, GME, UME, Assessment, Advocacy, General Ob-Gyn,
R. Nicholas Burns, MD, University of Washington; Fei Cai, MD; Elizabeth Southworth, MD; Sarah Santiago, MD; Emily Fay, MD; Alyssa Stephenson-Famy, MD
