Physician’s Weekly highlights Bly’s study

The Institute of Medicine and others have argued that a diverse healthcare workforce reflecting population demographics can improve access to high-quality health care, patient satisfaction, and health outcomes. Yet a recent study by UW Oto associate professor Randall Bly, MD, examined residency applicants and matches for 11 specialties over a several-year period and found that White applicants continue to be matched at disproportionately higher rates than applicants of underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, suggesting systemic disparities within the residency selection process. The study recommends further research to find out why these differences exist. 

First published in JAMA, Dr. Bly’s study, titled “Racial and Ethnic Differences in Resident Selection in 11 Specialties, 2013-2018,” was highlighted in the December 22, 2022, of Physician’s Weekly.