Representation of online LGBTQ+ support in general surgery residency programs.

Background: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and more(LGBTQ+) trainees are underrepresented in medicine, and their experiences in surgery have not been well studied. We sought to examine the practices of general surgery residency programs by region regarding representation of LGBTQ+ ​support online.

Methods: Retrospective, two-person review of 100 general surgery residency programs stratified by Electronic Residency Application Service(ERAS) region comparing data on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion(DEI) and LGBTQ+ ​-specific webpages.

Results: The Middle Atlantic and South Atlantic regions had 20% of programs each, with fewer programs found in other regions. Of the 100 institutions, 92% had DEI webpages, and 43% had LGBTQ+ ​-specific webpages. There was a significant difference in the likelihood of a program being an Human Rights Campaign(HRC) LGBTQ+ ​leader when compared by region(p ​< ​0.01).

Conclusions: Few general surgery residency programs share LGBTQ+-specific DEI content online with no regional difference observed. Recommendations such as updating websites to highlight LGBTQ+ ​inclusion should aid recruitment of a diverse, surgical residency as well as create a welcoming environment for prospective residents.