Gender-Based Differences in Urology Residency Applicant Personal Statements

Abstract

Objectives To gain insight into the perceptions of urology held by medical students as they enter the field, we analyzed the linguistic characteristics and gender differences in personal statements written by urology residency program applicants. Methods Personal statements were abstracted from residency applications to a urology residency program. Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count, a validated text analysis software, characterized the linguistic content of the statements. Analyzed statements were compared according to gender of the applicant using multivariate analysis, examining the association of applicant gender and statement characteristics. Multivariate analysis was also performed to determine the association of personal statement characteristics with matching into urology residency. Results Of 342 analyzed personal statements, no significant difference was found in statement characteristics between matched and unmatched applicants. Male and female applicants wrote with the same degree of overall analytical thinking, authenticity, and emotional tone. Clout, a measure of portrayed confidence, was low for both genders. Female applicants used more social and affective process words. Male applicants used more words indicating a sense of community and acceptance. Female applicants had more references to women within their statements. Conclusions Significant linguistic differences exist among personal statements written by men and women applying to urology residency. Word usage differences follow societal gender norms. Statement content demonstrates a difference between genders in perceived sense of belonging, highlighting the importance of gender concordant mentorship within the field.

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“…Objective measures such as scores and evaluations paint only a partial picture of clinical and academic performance, leaving gaps in a candidate's full portrait. 1,2 Applicants, seemingly similar on paper, may have striking differences in experiences and distances traveled that would not be captured without a personal narrative. 2,3 We recommend, therefore, reframing personal statements as the way to best highlight applicants' greatest strengths and accomplishments.…”

Sex bias in letters of recommendation and personal statements for otolaryngology residency

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“… Table S1 Custom word categories as defined by Trix and Psenka 17 . Note: * indicates that any word containing the letter string that precedes or follows the asterisk should be counted.…”

Deep Learning for Predictive Analysis of Pediatric Otolaryngology Personal Statements: A Pilot Study

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