# Educational Gaps in Dermatologic Diagnoses Among Otolaryngology Residents

## TL;DR

Otolaryngology residents score significantly lower than dermatology residents on dermatologic diagnosis tests, highlighting a training gap.

## Contribution

This study quantifies and identifies specific diagnostic gaps in dermatology training for otolaryngology residents.

## Key findings

- Dermatology residents scored 90% on average versus 71% for otolaryngology residents.
- Otolaryngology residents performed significantly worse on 7 out of 14 questions.
- Residency year level did not significantly affect scores in either specialty.

## Abstract

Otolaryngologists frequently serve as the first touchpoint for patients presenting with dermatologic conditions of the head and neck. This study aims to identify and quantify gaps in dermatologic training among otolaryngology residents, and to assess their diagnostic accuracy in comparison to dermatology residents. It comprised 14 multiple‐choice questions focused on common dermatologic diagnoses related to the head and neck. Sixty‐one dermatology and 36 otolaryngology residents participated in the study. Dermatology residents significantly outperformed otolaryngology residents, with average scores of 90% (SD = 8) compared to 71% (SD = 10) (P < .001). The observed effect size (Cohen's d = 2.010) significantly exceeded the expected effect size (0.603). Otolaryngology residents performed significantly lower on 7 out of the 14 questions. Analysis based on postgraduate year level showed no significant differences in scores within dermatology (P = .119) or otolaryngology (P = .402) residency programs.