The Diaspora of Otolaryngologists after Residency Training

Objectives: 1) Describe the transition of otolaryngologists from residency to clinical practice. 2) Provide data to state and local communities who could be sources of supplementary funding for graduate medical education. Methods: Cross sectional data from the 2009‐2010 Member Directory of the American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery were analyzed. The sample included fellows of the AAO‐HNS practicing within the US and graduating from residency programs accredited by the ACGME. First year fellows, fellows of greater than thirty‐five years, and military fellows were excluded. Data from 5,870 otolaryngologists were analyzed. To evaluate trends within generations and career paths, subsets were divided by academic or non‐academic practice and by decade of completion of residency. Results: Relative to their residency program, 1/3 of otolaryngologists practice within 100 miles, 1/3 practice within 100‐500 miles, and 1/3 practice greater than 500 miles away. This was relatively constant for those in academic and non‐academic practice. This was also relatively constant across decades of graduation. Approximately 1/3 of otolaryngologists practice in the same state as their residency program whether in academic or non‐academic practice. Conclusions: Proposed reductions in federal funding of graduate medical education could result in the closure of approximately 18.4% of all ACGME training programs. This should stimulate otolaryngology leaders to explore alternative sources of funds from their state and local community, ie, those who most benefit from retaining valuable practitioners. Our data demonstrate a substantial portion of otolaryngologists practice within the area and state surrounding their residency program.