Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the experiences of underrepresented-in-medicine women applicants to surgical residency

The COVID-19 pandemic brought additional challenges to the 2020–2021 application cycle. The objective of this study was to explore how such challenges altered the perceptions/motivations/concerns of applicants to surgical fields, particularly those self-identifying as women underrepresented-in-medicine (UiM). An anonymous mixed-methods survey was electronically distributed to all medical student members of the Association of Women Surgeons between 10/1/2020-12/31/2020. The survey was also shared via social-media posts from several other identity/affinity professional organizations. Quantitative responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative responses were analyzed using a grounded-theory approach. A total of 240 women (n ​= ​238) applicants completed the survey; 110 (45.8 ​%) identified as UiM. While each expressed concerns about COVID-19, UiM applicants reported significantly greater extents of concern about delayed USMLE/COMPLEX exams (44.0-vs-29.5 ​%, p ​= ​0.042), missed mentorship opportunities (38.5%-vs-19.4 ​%, p ​= ​0.001), and lack of access to research experiences (27.5-vs-14.0 ​%, p ​= ​0.020). In the qualitative portion of the survey, UiM applicants highlighted the importance of ensuring a holistic application review, minimizing interview monopolization, recognizing the potential detrimental effects of parallel social and political unrest, and prioritizing DEI initiatives when choosing a residency program. Women and gender non-conforming applicants faced important challenges in their application to surgical residency during the COVID-19 pandemic. Medical education governing bodies, program directors, and resident selection committees are encouraged to be vigilant about mitigating these challenges in the post-pandemic years. •Applicants to surgical residency reported unique challenges caused by COVID-19.•Non-UiM and UiM women applicants reported being negatively affected by COVID-19.•UiM applicants reported greater impact from delayed exams, limited mentorship, and fewer research opportunities.•UiM applicants emphasized the need for holistic review, limited interview monopolization, and prioritizing DEI initiatives.