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Ramirez FD, Chang CJ, Watkins RA, Senter C, de Borja C. Primary Care Sports Medicine fellowship opportunities for Pediatrics-trained physicians in the United States. PHYSICIAN SPORTSMED 2023; 51:73-81. [PMID: 34674595 DOI: 10.1080/00913847.2021.1996864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To characterize Primary Care Sports Medicine (PCSM) fellowship opportunities for Pediatrics-trained physicians across all programs in the United States. METHODS Cross-sectional study using data from publicly-available online sources. Data were collected from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM) online listings of PCSM programs and cross-referenced with individual program websites. Variables such as program location, departmental sponsor, and eligibility criteria specific to pediatricians were collected. RESULTS 202 programs were identified. 196 (97.0%) were ACGME-accredited, of which 75.0% were sponsored by Family Medicine (FM), 9.7% by Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR), 9.2% by Pediatrics, and 5.1% by Emergency Medicine (EM) departments. Pediatrics-trained physicians were eligible for 133 of 196 (67.9%) programs and 241 of 350 (68.9%) total positions. Eligibility for pediatricians was highest in Pediatrics-sponsored programs (18/18, 100.0%), followed by EM (7/10, 70.0%), FM (98/147, 66.7%), and PMR (9/19, 47.4%). 49 of 133 (36.8%) programs accepting pediatricians had discrepancies regarding eligibility criteria (e.g. did not confirm eligibility criteria on their website, listed conflicting eligibility criteria within or between their website and AMSSM listing, or did not have a website available to cross-reference). CONCLUSIONS Pediatricians are eligible for more than two-thirds of PCSM fellowship programs across the United States, including programs that are not sponsored by Pediatrics departments. Applicants may not be aware of these opportunities given discrepancies regarding eligibility in over one-third of programs. In a field underrepresented by Pediatrics-trained physicians, accurate online information and transparency of eligibility criteria are critical to raise awareness about fellowship opportunities and foster equity with regards to career opportunities for pediatricians in PCSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faustine D Ramirez
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, United States
| | - Cindy J Chang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Primary Care Sports Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, United States
| | - Rhonda A Watkins
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Division of Pediatric Orthopaedics, University of California, San Francisco, United States
| | - Carlin Senter
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Primary Care Sports Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, United States
| | - Celina de Borja
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Division of Pediatric Orthopaedics, University of California, San Francisco, United States
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Sacks MA, Do Jeong Y, Mendez YS, Hashmi A, Radulescu A, Tagge EP, Robertson JO, Khan FA. Are pediatric surgery fellowship websites ready for the changing paradigms in the virtual interview era? GLOBAL SURGICAL EDUCATION : JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR SURGICAL EDUCATION 2023; 2:27. [PMID: 38013871 PMCID: PMC9874179 DOI: 10.1007/s44186-023-00104-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Purpose With the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person fellowship interviews were curtailed, leading candidates to seek information from other resources. Our main purposes were (1) to determine what information recent participants in the match needed to evaluate programs and (2) to assess which of these were available online. Methods A focus group of ten recent graduates/applicants identified information that was important in choosing a fellowship program. In August 2020 and December 2021, websites belonging to the American Pediatric Surgical Association (APSA) and individual programs were assessed. Results Recent applicants identified 55 pieces of information considered important to their decision making. Of 57 pediatric surgery fellowships, 98% were listed on APSA's website. Program descriptions on APSA's website listed on average 60% of program information desired by applicants. All listed fellowship director, accreditation status, faculty list, and current fellow(s). Other descriptors frequently noted were alumni (95%), graduate's board performance (83%), ECMO exposure (77%), and curriculum (70%). Information desired but less frequently available were fellow case logs (63%), trauma center designation (53%), burn center designation (40%), research opportunities (30%), candidate interview assistance (25%), and supplemental fellowships (12%). There were 7% of program descriptions that were not updated for at least a year. Conclusions APSA and individual program websites were complimentary. Websites often lacked data that applicants sought to inform their rank list. To best adapt to the evolving virtual interview paradigm, we suggest reporting key information on a central APSA website with more nuanced information available via links to program specific websites. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s44186-023-00104-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marla A. Sacks
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, Loma Linda University Medical Center, 11175 Campus Street, CP21111, Loma Linda, CA 92350 USA
| | - Young Do Jeong
- School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA USA
| | - Yomara S. Mendez
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, Loma Linda University Medical Center, 11175 Campus Street, CP21111, Loma Linda, CA 92350 USA
| | - Asra Hashmi
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, CA USA
| | - Andrei Radulescu
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, Loma Linda University Medical Center, 11175 Campus Street, CP21111, Loma Linda, CA 92350 USA
| | - Edward P. Tagge
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, Loma Linda University Medical Center, 11175 Campus Street, CP21111, Loma Linda, CA 92350 USA
| | - Jason O. Robertson
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital, Cleveland, OH USA
| | - Faraz A. Khan
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, Loma Linda University Medical Center, 11175 Campus Street, CP21111, Loma Linda, CA 92350 USA
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Chunn RA, Clark DES, Ozcan MMCH. A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Military Physician Residency Websites. Mil Med 2022; 188:usac293. [PMID: 36222085 PMCID: PMC9619598 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usac293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Medical physician residency program websites often serve as the first contact for any prospective applicant. No analysis of military residency program websites has yet been conducted, in contrast to their civilian counterparts. This study evaluated all military residency programs certified by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) 2021-2022 to determine program website comprehensiveness and accessibility and identify areas for improvement. MATERIALS AND METHODS A list of military residency programs in the USA was compiled using Defense Health Agency Graduate Medical Education resources together with the ACGME database. A total of 15 objective website criteria covering education and recruitment content were assessed by two independent evaluators. Accessibility was also scored. Programs' website scores were compared by geographic location, specialty affiliation, type of institution partnership, and program size. Analysis was performed with descriptive statistics and comparison via an unpaired t-test or Kruskal-Wallis analysis, as appropriate. RESULTS A total of 124 military residency program websites were evaluated with a range of scores from 0 to 15 out of 15 possible points. Six programs had no identifiable website. All three services were represented with 43% joint-service programs. Content concerning physician education and development was more widely available than content directed toward the recruitment of applicants. The number of residency program websites reporting each content criterion varied greatly, but overall, no single service had a significantly higher score across their residencies' websites. Significant variation occurred among individual specialties (P < .05) but there was no significant difference in surgical and nonsurgical specialties. Civilian-associated programs (18 programs, 14.5%) were associated with significantly greater website comprehensiveness scored best on informatics measures for recruitment and performed 64% better than military-only programs overall. CONCLUSIONS Program information in an accessible website platform allows prospective applicants to gain comprehensive perspectives of programs during the application process without reliance on personal visits and audition rotations. Limitations to in-person experiences, such as those caused by reductions in travel and concern for student safety during the global pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, may be alleviated by accessible virtual information. Our results indicate that there is opportunity for all military residency programs to improve their websites and better recruit applicants through understanding their audience and optimizing their reach online.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raegan A Chunn
- F. Edward Herbert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Delaney E S Clark
- John Sealy School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Maj Meghan C H Ozcan
- Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA
- Women and Infants, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Providence, RI 02905, USA
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Alsaloum P, Alsaloum M, Kim TJ, Zheng DX, Valentim CCS, Muste JC, Goshe JM, Singh RP. Evaluation of the Content of Ophthalmology Fellowship Program Web sites. JOURNAL OF ACADEMIC OPHTHALMOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1747673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose To assess the availability and content of fellowship program Web sites (FPWs) among ophthalmology subspecialties.
Design This is a cross-sectional study.
Subjects Web sites of all Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology-accredited fellowship programs in five subspecialties (i.e., surgical retina and vitreous; cornea, external disease, and refractive surgery; glaucoma; neuro-ophthalmology; and pediatric ophthalmology).
Methods FPWs were assessed for the presence of 26 key content criteria encompassing program demographics (n = 13), features (n = 10), and social life (n = 3). The presence of each content criterion as well as the content criteria groups were compared across subspecialties.
Main Outcome Measures The main outcome measured is the average percentage of key content criteria present among ophthalmology fellowship Web sites.
Results Among 266 accredited fellowship programs, 240 (90.2%) had Web sites. On average, Web sites reported 14.9 of 26 key content criteria (57.2%), 8.29 of 13 demographic criteria (63.8%), 5.84 of the 10 program features criteria (58.4%), and 0.705 of the 3 social life criteria (23.5%). Significant differences were identified among subspecialties in the presence of program description (p = 0.046), hospital affiliation (p < 0.001), names of current fellows (p = 0.004), case diversity (p = 0.001), and surgical statistics (p = 0.015). The average number of key criteria differed between subspecialties (p < 0.001).
Conclusion There is significant heterogeneity in program fellowship Web site content among ophthalmology subspecialties. Information regarding social life, such as wellness programs and community information, was largely absent across all disciplines. Addressing missing information on ophthalmology FPWs may help optimize program-applicant fit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Alsaloum
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Matthew Alsaloum
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Tyler J. Kim
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - David X. Zheng
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Carolina C. S. Valentim
- Center for Ophthalmic Bioinformatics, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Justin C. Muste
- Center for Ophthalmic Bioinformatics, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
- Transitional Year Residency, Richmond Medical Center, Richmond, Ohio
| | - Jeffrey M. Goshe
- Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Rishi P. Singh
- Center for Ophthalmic Bioinformatics, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
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Lee CC, Wang TT, Dyalram D, Tannyhill RJ. Evaluation of Accessibility and Content of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Fellowship Program Websites. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2022; 80:960-966. [DOI: 10.1016/j.joms.2022.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Aryanpour Z, Ananthasekar S, Rajan SS, Reddy S. Evaluation of surgical oncology fellowship websites: Are we showing what applicants need to see? Surg Open Sci 2021; 7:1-5. [PMID: 34786550 PMCID: PMC8577455 DOI: 10.1016/j.sopen.2021.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Internet is a major resource for surgery fellowship applicants, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Online information for surgical oncology and breast oncology training programs can be found on the Society of Surgical Oncology's webpage and fellowship institution websites. The goal of this study was to analyze the comprehensiveness of complex general surgical oncology and breast oncology fellowship websites. Materials and methods A list of all accredited surgical oncology and breast oncology fellowships was recorded from the Society of Surgical Oncology website and stratified by region. Then, a Google search was performed on each fellowship program to determine each institution's webpage. Two of the authors then analyzed 2 web resources, institutional website and Society of Surgical Oncology webpage, for each fellowship program to determine if information valued by applicants was provided. Results Online information of 29 surgical oncology fellowships and 59 breast oncology fellowships was analyzed. Statistical differences were found among criteria in major information categories between Society of Surgical Oncology and institutional webpages for both fellowship types. Detailed criteria were more present on institutional rather than Society of Surgical Oncology webpages. Conclusion For applicants to surgical oncology fellowships, institutional webpages provided the most pertinent information and may be used as a primary resource to guide fellowship application. For applicants to breast oncology fellowships, Society of Surgical Oncology webpages may be used as a primary resource to guide fellowship application. Both Society of Surgical Oncology and institutional pages lacked pertinent information regarding interview dates, and these resources should be updated to reflect program highlights as well as pertinent information for applicants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zain Aryanpour
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | | | - Shrikiriti S Rajan
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Sushanth Reddy
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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Dudas LM, Khan US, Borgstrom DC. Mastering the Match: Recruiting a Successful Surgery Resident. CURRENT SURGERY REPORTS 2021; 9:27. [PMID: 34729254 PMCID: PMC8552621 DOI: 10.1007/s40137-021-00304-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The objective of general surgery residency is to produce competent surgeons. At a minimum this requires being procedurally and clinically capable and able to pass the board exams. Recruitment is designed to select those residents who can successfully do so. But there is more to being a successful resident than that. In this review, we attempt to define a "successful resident" and how to attract them to your program. RECENT FINDINGS Resident applicants are still most concerned with matching to a program that will prepare them for a surgery career. Though there is variation of importance for different applicants, resident life, comradery, and relationships with faculty or mentors do factor into residency ranking. The program website remains the most utilized resource for applicants. However, social media (SM) has an increasing role in applicants' evaluation of a program. SM and the preinterview gathering seem to expose the subjective aspects of a program most effectively. Additional assessments evaluating personality, grit or career goals may assist in screening applicants for good "fit." SUMMARY In order to recruit successful residents, it is necessary to determine which applicant attributes are important to the program. Additionally, a program must maintain an updated website with clearly delineated resident expectations and program strengths. The screening and interview process must be maximized to target residents with career goals complimentary to available program opportunities. If SM is utilized, post should be frequent with relevant information pertaining to both resident life and educational or clinical opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M. Dudas
- Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma, Emergency Surgery & Surgical Critical Care, West Virginia University, 1 Medical Center Drive, PO Box 9238, Morgantown, WV 26506 USA
| | - Uzer S. Khan
- Department of Surgery, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - David C. Borgstrom
- Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma, Emergency Surgery & Surgical Critical Care, West Virginia University, 1 Medical Center Drive, PO Box 9238, Morgantown, WV 26506 USA
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Naaseh A, Thompson S, Tohmasi S, Wiechmann W, Toohey S, Wray A, Boysen-Osborn M. Evaluating Applicant Perceptions of the Impact of Social Media on the 2020-2021 Residency Application Cycle Occurring During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Survey Study. JMIR MEDICAL EDUCATION 2021; 7:e29486. [PMID: 34591779 PMCID: PMC8527380 DOI: 10.2196/29486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, residency programs in the United States conducted virtual interviews during the 2020-2021 application season. As a result, programs and applicants may have relied more heavily on social media-based communication and dissemination of information. OBJECTIVE We sought to determine social media's impact on residency applicants during an entirely virtual application cycle. METHODS An anonymous electronic survey was distributed to 465 eligible 2021 Match applicants at 4 University of California Schools of Medicine in the United States. RESULTS A total of 72 participants (15.5% of eligible respondents), applying to 16 specialties, responded. Of those who responded, 53% (n=38) reported following prospective residency accounts on social media, and 89% (n=34) of those respondents were positively or negatively influenced by these accounts. The top three digital methods by which applicants sought information about residency programs included the program website, digital conversations with residents and fellows of that program, and Instagram. Among respondents, 53% (n=38) attended virtual information sessions for prospective programs. A minority of applicants (n=19, 26%) adjusted the number of programs they applied to based on information found on social media, with most (n=14, 74%) increasing the number of programs to which they applied. Survey respondents ranked social media's effectiveness in allowing applicants to learn about programs at 6.7 (SD 2.1) on a visual analogue scale from 1-10. Most applicants (n=61, 86%) felt that programs should use social media in future application cycles even if they are nonvirtual. CONCLUSIONS Social media appears to be an important tool for resident recruitment. Future studies should seek more information on its effect on later parts of the application cycle and the Match.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariana Naaseh
- University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Sean Thompson
- University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Steven Tohmasi
- University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Warren Wiechmann
- University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Shannon Toohey
- University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Alisa Wray
- University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Megan Boysen-Osborn
- University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, United States
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Taylor M, Wallen T, Mehaffey JH, Shirafkan A, Brescia AA, Freeman K, Louis C, Watson J, Okereke I. Interviews During the Pandemic: A Thoracic Education Cooperative Group and Surgery Residents Project. Ann Thorac Surg 2021; 113:663-668. [PMID: 33774001 DOI: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2021.02.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The 2020 interview cycle for cardiothoracic fellowships was affected by the coronavirus-19 pandemic. Many programs shifted from in-person to virtual interviews. We evaluated applicant perceptions of the various formats. METHODS All 2019-2020 cardiothoracic fellowship applicants received an electronic survey after completion of the match process. The survey assessed number of in-person/virtual interviews completed, perception of efficacy, and likelihood of ranking a program based on format, and strengths/inadequacies of virtual interviews. RESULTS Response rate was 36% (48 of 133). Seventy-three percent of respondents (35 of 48) interviewed with more than 10 programs. Fifty-two percent of respondents (25 of 48) were able to schedule additional interviews once virtual formats were available. A slight majority (56%, 27 of 48) ranked a program at which they had an in-person interview as their first choice. Interviewing at more than 10 programs was associated with an increased likelihood of successfully matching at a program (P = .02). Overwhelmingly, respondents favored an in-person component to the interview process (96%, 46 of 48). Few respondents (29%, 14 of 48) thought they could adequately evaluate a program virtually. The factors that had the highest percentages of adequate portrayal during virtual interviews were the didactic schedule/curriculum (81%, 39 of 48) and case number/autonomy (58%, 28 of 48). The factors with the lowest percentages were culture/personality (19%, 9 of 48) and city/lifestyle (15%, 7 of 48). CONCLUSIONS Applicants strongly favored an in-person component to interviews, highlighting potential deficiencies in the virtual interview process. Programs should consider the addition of virtual tours of their hospitals, narrations from staff, and vignettes from current fellows about lifestyle and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Taylor
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Tyler Wallen
- Division of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - J Hunter Mehaffey
- Division of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Ali Shirafkan
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | | | - Kirsten Freeman
- Division of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Clauden Louis
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York; Division of Thoracic Surgery, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York
| | - Justin Watson
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Ikenna Okereke
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas.
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Tang OY, Ruddell JH, Hilliard RW, Schiffman FJ, Daniels AH. Improving the online presence of residency programs to ameliorate COVID-19's impact on residency applications. Postgrad Med 2021; 133:404-408. [PMID: 33412975 DOI: 10.1080/00325481.2021.1874195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has created several challenges for residency programs and prospective interns alike during the upcoming application cycle, including the cancellation of away sub-internships and in-person interviews. Given prior research documenting that applicants' application and ranking decisions are significantly influenced by residency webpages, a potential solution to the loss of in-person experiences during the pandemic is the expansion of residency programs' online presence through their program websites, provision of virtual grand rounds and pseudo-away rotations, and enhancement of virtual interviews. This study seeks to summarize the existing literature on these areas and provide concrete suggestions for improving programs' virtual presence.Methods: The authors summarize earlier literature querying the content of program websites across 14 medical specialties, which documented significant gaps in the content of interest to applicants.Results: Among 14 analyzed specialties, the majority of programs had a functional website (>90%), with the exception of interventional radiology (73.9%). However, significant gaps in content were documented, with the percentage of content variables contained on websites ranging from 33.3% to 70.5% (median = 47.0%, interquartile range = 37.8-52.6%). Program websites were also limited by underrepresentation of content most valued by applicants as well as potential areas of inaccurate or outdated information.Conclusions: There are several interventions programs can undertake to address existing gaps in online presence. During an application cycle facing unprecedented resource strain, bolstering the online presence of programs may facilitate an improved fit between programs and future residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Y Tang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Jack H Ruddell
- Department of Internal Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Ross W Hilliard
- Department of Internal Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Fred J Schiffman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Alan H Daniels
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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Shirafkan A, Okereke I. Commentary: Are thoracic surgery program websites a charming enough vitrine? J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2020; 162:733-734. [PMID: 32753107 PMCID: PMC7358750 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2020.06.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Shirafkan
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Tex
| | - Ikenna Okereke
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Tex.
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