Work

Modeling the importance of physician training in practice location for Ohio otolaryngologists

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: CONTEXT: Underserved communities in southeastern Ohio and Appalachia face significant healthcare accessibility challenges, with the Midwest offering a lower density of healthcare providers compared to coastal regions. Specifically, underserved communities in southeastern Ohio and Appalachia are disadvantaged in otolaryngology care. OBJECTIVES: This analysis aims to identify factors that lead otolaryngologists to a respective practice location, and if any of that influence comes from where otolaryngologists completed their medical education. METHODS: The proportion of otolaryngologists who performed medical school, residency, and/or fellowship in Ohio was analyzed utilizing a three-sample test for equality. Multivariate logistic regression and Pearson prediction models were produced to analyze the impact of performing medical training (medical school, residency, and fellowship) in Ohio. RESULTS: Going to medical school in Ohio significantly increases the odds of going to an otolaryngology residency in the state (p<0.001). Moreover, between medical school and residency, medical school was a significantly better predictor of otolaryngologists practicing in Appalachia (Δ Bayesian Information Criterion [BIC]>2) and southeast Ohio (ΔBIC>10). Medical school in state was also a better predictor of percent rural and median household income than residency (ΔBIC>10). The multivariate model of medical school and residency was significantly better than either predictor alone for the population (ΔBIC>2). All models predicting percent rural were significantly improved with the addition of a Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) degree (ΔBIC>10). CONCLUSIONS: Where physicians complete their medical training (medical school, residency, and fellowship) in state has a significant impact on predicting their future place of practice. This study found that the location of such training has a positive predictive nature as to whether that physician will practice in a rural and underserved area in the future. Notably, the addition of being licensed as a DO also increased the probability of that physician practicing in a rural area.

Source: Journal of Osteopathic Medicine

DOI: 10.1515/jom-2024-0035

Authors: Samuel Borgemenke, D’Nair Newsom, Patrick Scheatzle, Nicholas Durstock, Elizabeth A. Beverly

Institution: Ohio University

Language: English

Topic: Global Health Workforce Issues

Subfield: Emergency Medical Services

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Good health and well-being, Quality education

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: