Residency Rewired: An Analysis of Otolaryngology Residency Programs on Websites and Social Media

Objective: To evaluate all ACGME-accredited otolaryngology residency programs by reviewing websites and social media to determine if there is a correlation between program ranking and online presence. Findings will identify key considerations for perceived program reputation and areas of improvement. Study Design: This study was a cross-sectional analysis of programs. Setting: This study took place between April and June 2024. Methods: Four independent reviewers evaluated the program websites using an online tool that assessed each program on both recruitment and education criteria; composite scores were used for the data analysis. A second section of the evaluation tool analyzed the social media presence of the residency programs. Results: Programs were grouped based on the latest Doximity program ranking in groups of 25, with Group 1 being the top 25 and Group 5 being the bottom 25 plus unranked programs. Programs in Group 5 had worse website evaluation scores (p < 0.05) as well as social media overall scores (p < 0.05). Additionally, programs in the west had the highest average social media scores (p < 0.05). Conclusion: We conclude that programs with a lower Doximity program ranking typically have a worse online presence, with the recruitment section being the worst score. Most ENT residency program evaluation literature dates to the COVID-19 pandemic; our hope is for this study to bring a new perspective to program leadership and how their online presence might affect applicant perception of the program when they are choosing which ones they may apply to. Level of Evidence: N/A.