Cross-sectional study of obstetrics and gynecology-bound students in visiting rotations

Background Recruitment of a more diverse obstetrics and gynecology workforce may help improve patient outcomes, particularly among women of color. Visiting rotations play a role in competing for a position in an obstetrics and gynecology residency, however, not all students may be able to complete these expensive experiences. Our objective was to evaluate socioeconomic and other demographic differences among obstetrics and gynecology-bound students who participate in visiting rotations versus those who do not. Methods We obtained de-identified data from the Association of American Medical Colleges for students graduating in US allopathic medical schools 2019 or 2020. We analyzed self-reported receipt of state and/or federal assistance to obtain postsecondary education, medical education debt, sex, and race and ethnicity data using chi-square and ANOVA analyses and logistic regression. Results Of 33,287 graduating medical students, 1978 (5.9%) indicated “Obstetrics and Gynecology” as their intended practice and included socio-demographic data; 1110 (56.1%) of these completed at least one visiting rotation. In multivariable analysis including medical education debt, race and ethnicity, and sex, students with moderate debt were less likely to complete any visiting rotation (aOR 0.68, 95% CI: 0.52, 0.89) and students with any debt were less likely to complete two or more visiting rotations than those without debt. However, Black students were significantly more likely to complete two or more rotations than white students when adjusted for debt and sex (aOR 1.48, 95% CI: 1.02, 2.11). Conclusions Among obstetrics and gynecology-bound medical students, moderate medical education debt was associated with lower odds of completing visiting rotations when adjusted for race and ethnicity and sex. However, when adjusted for sex and debt, Black students were more likely to complete two or more visiting rotations than white students.