1028 Showcasing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Neurological Surgery: A Comparative Analysis of Neurological Residency Program Websites in the United States

INTRODUCTION: The field of neurological surgery has been confronted with a lack of underrepresented individuals and women within its workforce. This study advocates for the field to recruit and accept qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds. Residency program websites, crucial for applicants' first impressions, often lack essential elements like current resident information and unique program features. METHODS: 117 neurosurgery residency program websites were evaluated for 12 diversity and inclusion elements and calculated into a final score. Programs were classified based on Doximity ranking, NIH funding, geographical region, and hospital ownership/funding. Univariate analysis determined significant differences in DEI scores between websites. RESULTS: Program analysis revealed a mean diversity score of 7.9 ± 2.9 out of 12. Top-50 ranked programs had a significantly higher mean diversity score (8.6 ± 2.7) compared to those outside the top-50 (7.2 ± 2.9) (p = 0.009). No statistically significant differences in diversity scores were found related to NIH funding, geographic region, or hospital funding. Accessibility of DEI content varied: 41% of websites had a direct link to a DEI webpage, while 42% lacked DEI elements. While the presence of a DEI statement was not significantly associated with Doximity ranking, NIH funding, geographic region, or hospital funding, programs with a DEI statement were significantly more likely to have additional DEI elements (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: As efforts to increase diversity in neurosurgery continue, it is crucial to address barriers to entry, promote mentorship programs, and eliminate bias and discrimination within the profession. While many neurosurgery residencies include DEI elements on their websites, this practice is not consistent across all programs. We advocate for prominently featuring these initiatives on program websites to help applicants make informed decisions about their training.