Showcasing diversity, equity, and inclusion in neurological surgery: a comparative analysis of neurological surgery residency program websites in the United States

Residency websites can often be crucial for influencing neurosurgery applicants’ first impressions of programs. This study explores the representation of diversity on neurological surgery residency program websites and evaluates the impact of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) statements. The websites of 117 neurological surgery residency programs were evaluated for the presence of 12 diversity and inclusion elements. Univariate analysis was conducted to determine significant differences in DEI scores between neurological surgery residency program websites. Program analysis revealed a mean diversity score of 7.9 out of a maximum score of 12, equating to the presence of 66% of possible DEI elements in our scoring system. Top-50 ranked programs (Doximity) exhibited a significantly higher mean diversity score (8.6 +/- 2.7) compared to those outside the top-50 (7.2 +/- 2.9) (p = 0.009). Accessibility of DEI content varied, with most program websites either having a direct link to a separate DEI webpage (41%) or lacking any DEI elements (42%). A secondary analysis found that the presence of a DEI statement on a program’s webpage was not significantly associated with Doximity ranking, NIH funding, geographic region, or hospital funding. However, programs with a DEI statement were significantly more likely to have various additional DEI elements (p < 0.001). While many neurological surgery residencies include elements of DEI on their websites, this is not currently a consistent practice across all programs. We advocate that these initiatives should be prominently featured on program websites to aid applicants in making informed decisions about their training journey.