May, Ryan

Abstract Objective To evaluate the connection between symptom burden and sexual quality of life in women with idiopathic subglottic stenosis (iSGS). iSGS is a rare fibroinflammatory disorder involving progressive airway narrowing and respiratory distress. While the impact on physical functioning is well‐established, the influence of iSGS on sexual health, a key component of quality of life, remains unexplored. Study Design Anonymized cross‐sectional survey using validated questionnaires. Setting Online international iSGS support group (Living with Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis). Methods The Dyspnea Index (DI), the Female Sexual Quality of Life (SQOL‐F) questionnaire, and the Medical Outcomes Health Survey (SF‐36) were distributed to an iSGS support group. Only complete responses were analyzed. Associations between DI and sexual quality of life were evaluated using correlation and linear regression. Median‐based symptom burden groupings were used for secondary descriptive comparisons. Results 682 completed all items in the assigned questionnaires and met inclusion criteria. DI scores were inversely correlated with SQOL‐F (Rho = −0.305, P < .001). SQOL‐F was consistently lower among those with high symptom burden across nearly all items; only partner communication showed no difference. Each one‐point increase in DI predicted a 0.61‐point decrease in SQOL‐F ( B = −0.609, P < .001). High‐burden patients also reported significantly lower SF‐36 Physical (PCS) and Mental (MCS) Component Scores. Conclusions Greater airway symptom burden in iSGS is associated with significantly diminished sexual and general health‐related quality of life. These findings reinforce a need for patient‐centered care that considers both physical and psychosocial well‐being.

Abstract Objective To evaluate otolaryngology (ENT) residency match trends before and after the USMLE Step 1 transition to pass/fail. Study Design Observational longitudinal analysis of annual, publicly available specialty‐level data (2010‐2025). Setting National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). Methods Data from 2010 to 2025 were used to calculate applicants per PGY‐1 position, fill rate, and nonmatch‐in‐specialty rate. ENT was compared with plastic surgery, orthopedic surgery, neurological surgery, and general surgery. We used ordinary least squares (OLS), segmented regression with a 2023 breakpoint, and difference‐in‐differences (DID) models. Results From 2010 to 2025, ENT programs increased from 105 to 139 and positions from 280 to 394. Applicants per position ranged from 1.06 to 1.60 (mean 1.38). OLS showed no significant long‐term trend in applicants per position (+0.002/year, P = .86), fill rate (+0.03 percentage points/year, P = .68), or nonmatch‐in‐specialty rate (+0.04 percentage points/year, P = .94). Segmented regression showed no significant post‐2023 changes in applicants per position (slope change +0.03/year, P = .78), and no significant changes in applicant counts ( P = .7). ENT had the largest 2022 to 2023 decline in this cohort, in both applicants (−14.1%) and applicants per position (−16.9%). However, in two‐way fixed‐effects DID models, there was no ENT‐specific post‐transition change in applicants per position ( P > .05 in primary and sensitivity analyses). Conclusion ENT remained highly competitive but trend‐stable from 2010 to 2025. Although 2023 showed a notable drop in applicants, we found no consistent evidence of a sustained ENT‐specific competitiveness shift after the Step 1 pass/fail transition. Level of Evidence 4.