(513) Trends in Political Contributions by Otolaryngologists in the United States

Introduction: Given the intersection of politics and healthcare policy, physician engagement in the political arena has become increasingly paramount. The purpose of this study was to analyze trends in Otolaryngologists’ political contributions in the United States.

Methods: A cross-sectional review of political contributions from 2003 to 2022 was performed using public finance data available on the Federal Election Commission website, and selected for Otolaryngologists via occupation and employer search. Donor and recipient committee details were reviewed.

Results: From 2003-2022, a total of $1,791,418 (5848 donations) were donated to political committees by self-identified Otolaryngologists. Of that amount, $1,576,582 (88%) were donated by male and $241,835 (12%) by female ENTs; 98% of contributions were made by private practice ENTs. The most contributions were made by ENTs in the South (47.9%), followed by the Midwest (23.5%), Northeast (19.2%), and West (9.3%). The majority of funds (43%) were donated to Republican committees, followed by bipartisan (31%) and Democrat committees (26%). $295,531 (17%) were donated to the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery PAC. Contributions generally increased for each consecutive Presidential election year with $76,121 in 2004 and $189,889 in 2020. Democrat donations peaked in 2016 ($69,682) exceeding Republican donations. There was a significant increase in Republican donations in 2020 ($116,601) compared to other election years (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions: In the last 2 decades, ENT political donations have increased reflecting greater political engagement, particularly by private practice and male ENTs. Future studies are needed to analyze other ENT efforts towards actionable health policy.