What's missing? An analysis of pediatric radiology fellowship website utility and recruitment potential

A qualitative analysis of pediatric otolaryngology fellowship websites

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the availability and breadth of information provided by program-created pediatric otolaryngology fellowship websites as well as the American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology (ASPO) program directory.

METHODS

Program-created pediatric otolaryngology fellowship websites and the ASPO directory were evaluated for 16 key criteria deemed to be relevant to fellowship applicants.

RESULTS

All 36 ACGME-accredited pediatric otolaryngology fellowship programs had websites that were readily available by Google search, and the ASPO program directory contained direct links to 17 (47.2 %) program-created websites. On average, program-created websites fulfilled 6.9 (43.1 %, range 1-11) and the ASPO directory fulfilled 6.9 (43.1 %, range 3-11) of the 16 key criteria. When utilizing both resources, the average increased to 8.3 (51.2 %) - criteria included program description (94.4 %), location description (30.4 %), fellowship director contact information (94.4 %), program coordinator contact information (72.2 %), teaching responsibilities (68.6 %), call responsibilities/schedule (41.7 %), operative volume (80 %), breadth of surgical exposure (94.4 %), research opportunities (72.2 %), research expectations (63.9 %), current fellow(s) (42.9 %), post-fellowship placement (28.6 %), fellow clinic (28.6 %), medical missions/outreach (20 %), and resident coverage (36.1 %).

CONCLUSION

Pediatric otolaryngology fellowship websites as well as program-specific data sheets from ASPO lack many key criteria that would otherwise be valuable to applicants. Inclusion of these criteria could help applicants make a more well-informed decision when applying into pediatric otolaryngology fellowship.

Assessment of Family Medicine Obstetrics Fellowship Websites in the United States: Content and Usability

INTRODUCTION

The United States is experiencing maternity care shortages. Family physicians can play a role in addressing these shortages. Family medicine obstetrics fellowships train family physicians in obstetrics care. Fellowship websites are important for promoting programs and attracting applicants. However, whether websites provide sufficient program information is unknown. This study aimed to assess completeness and utility of family medicine obstetrics fellowship websites across the United States.

METHOD

The study analyzed 46 family medicine obstetrics fellowship websites. The component analysis evaluated the presence of 17 components related to orientation, curriculum, program, personnel, and additional content. The qualitative analysis included ratings for navigation and application, information quality, and esthetics. Analysis included percentages for websites and components and average qualitative ratings.

RESULTS

Common components included overviews, training requirements, and contact information. Description of the patient population was the least common component. Usability ratings varied across programs, with higher ratings observed for navigation and application, and information quality. Esthetics and visual appeal received lower ratings. Regional analysis indicated that websites from fellowships in the West and Southwest tended to include more components compared to those in the Southeast.

DISCUSSION

Family medicine obstetrics fellowship websites serve as valuable sources of program information for prospective applicants. However, not all websites include essential program details. Some information is rarely provided. Given the shortage of maternity care providers, it is crucial to develop informative and functional websites to attract applicants. Improving website content and design could prove to be a cost-effective strategy to increase the number of applicants.

A Cross-Sectional Study of Graduate Medical Education in Radiological Fellowships using Accessible Content

Graduate medical education in radiology serves an imperative role in training the next generation of specialists. Given the regularity of virtual interviews, the website of a fellowship programs remains a critical first-line source of information of applicants. The aim of this study is to systematically evaluate 7 radiology fellowship programs utilizing a systematic process. A cross-sectional descriptive 286 graduate medical education fellowship programs in radiology were screened from the Fellowship and Residency Electronic Interactive Database (FREIDA). Extracted data was evaluated for comprehensiveness using 20 content criteria, and a readability score is calculated. The mean comprehensiveness among all fellowship program websites was 55.8% (n = 286), and the average FRE among the program overview sections was 11.9 (n = 214). ANOVA revealed no statistical significance in program website comprehensiveness between radiology fellowships (P = 0.33). The quality of a program's website data continues to serve an important role in an applicant's decision-making. Fellowship programs have improved in their content availability overtime, but content reevaluation needs to be continued for tangible improvement.

Primary Care Sports Medicine fellowship opportunities for Pediatrics-trained physicians in the United States

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.

The Committee on Advanced Subspecialty Training-accredited postgraduate neurosurgery fellowship application experience: a national survey

OBJECTIVE

The neurosurgery fellowship application process is heterogenous. Therefore, the authors conducted a survey of individuals graduating from Committee on Advanced Subspecialty Training (CAST)-accredited fellowships in the past 5 years to examine 1) experiences with the fellowship application process, 2) perspectives on the process, 3) reasons for pursuing a given subspecialty and fellowship, and 4) post-fellowship practices.

METHODS

A survey querying demographics, experiences with and perspectives on the fellowship application process, and factors contributing to the pursuit of a given fellowship was distributed to individuals who had graduated from CAST-accredited fellowships in the past 5 years. The survey response period was May 22, 2021-June 22, 2021.

RESULTS

Of 273 unique individuals who had graduated from CAST-accredited fellowships in the past 5 years, 65 (29.7%) were included in this analysis. The most common postgraduate year (PGY) during which respondents applied for fellowship positions was PGY5 (43.8%), whereas the most common training level at which respondents accepted a fellowship position was PGY6 (46.9%), with a large degree of variability for both (range PGY4-PGY7). Only 43.1% respondents reported an application deadline for their fellowship. A total of 77.4% respondents received 1-2 fellowship position offers, and 13.4% indicated that there was a match process. In total, 64.5% respondents indicated that the fellowship offer timeline was mostly or very asynchronous. The time frame for applicants to decline or accept a fellowship offer was heterogeneous and mismatched among institutions. Respondents agreed that a more standardized application timeline would be beneficial (median response "agree"), and 83.1% of respondents indicated that PGY5 or PGY6 was the appropriate time to interview for a fellowship.

CONCLUSIONS

Respondents reported heterogeneous experiences in applying for a fellowship, indicated that a standardized application timeline including interviews at PGY5 or PGY6 would be beneficial, and preferred streamlining the fellowship application process.

An evaluation of the content of hematology and medical oncology fellowship websites

Introduction

The growing demand for Hematology and Oncology services has greatly piqued the interest of potential residents towards this specialty. Since the programs' official websites are now becoming the primary source of information that potential residents turn to, we aimed to analyze program websites’ content and availability across parameters that have been used by evaluators of websites.

Methods

& Materials: A list of 181 fellowship programs were identified using The Fellowship and Residency Electronic and Interactive Database (FRIEDA). 160/181 were accessed via a hyperlink or Google search. Content of these websites was evaluated on a 40-point criteria system in 10 distinct domains. Websites without accessible links were excluded from the search.

Results

The 160 programs were divided based on the region with the North-East having the most programs (32.5%) and the West having the least programs (12.4%). Exactly 3/4th of the websites had been updated with the latest available information. “Program overview” (89%) was the most common domain present on the websites while “Alumni” was the least common, present on only (25%) of the websites.

Conclusion

When compared with previous similar research, there have been a few significant improvements across the programs' websites, however many still lack important information regarding certain domains. The content and availability of the program's website can encourage or deter an applicant, in their decision to apply to the program, hence making it necessary for programs to augment their websites.

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Assessing the quality of content of fellowship programs using a 40-point criteria system for 10 distinct domains.

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Aim is to help optimise applicant virtual experience when they're searching through fellowship websites.

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The most prevalent domain mentioned by 89% of fellowship websites was ‘Program Overview’.

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The least common domain reported was ‘Alumni information’ by only 23% fellowship programs.

Analysis of Applicants' Perspectives of Cardiothoracic Surgery Fellowship Program Websites

BACKGROUND

Cardiothoracic (CT) surgery fellowship websites help applicants determine where they apply and/or accept an interview. However, relevant information from programs is not communicated in a standardized way.

METHODS

We used Fellow and Residency Electronic Interactive Database Access (FREIDA) Online to identify residency programs with traditional CT fellowships. Program-specific variables included presence or absence of tracks, track duration, and annual cardiac and thoracic cases. Resident-specific variables included number of resident(s) a program accepts and case numbers per fellow. Current CT residents completed an online survey in which they rated how important they deemed the presence of these variables in program websites.

RESULTS

According to FREIDA Online, 74 traditional CT surgery fellowship websites were analyzed. Among the websites listed on FREIDA, only 16 (22%) linked directly to the CT fellowship page. Surveys were sent to all trainees enrolled in the 74 programs, and 24 responded. There were marked deficiencies in the availability of information on program websites that was highly valued by trainees. Only 31% of websites reported annual program volume, and 14% reported resident case numbers, while this data was highly valued by >60% of respondents. Similarly, 11% of program websites described their education curriculum, while 81% of respondents highly valued this information. One-quarter of respondents were dissatisfied with the overall information provided by program websites.

CONCLUSIONS

CT fellowship program websites lack crucial content that is deemed highly valued by applicants. This study suggests the possible need for a single comprehensive data repository or a standardized method for communicating information through program websites.

A Qualitative Appraisal of Neurotology Fellowship Websites

OBJECTIVE

To assess the accessibility and breadth of online information regarding neurotology fellowship programs by appraising individual fellowship websites as well as two popular online databases.

METHODS

The American Neurotology Society Program Information Page (ANSPIP), the American Medical Association's Fellowship and Residency Electronic Interactive Database (FREIDA), and three online search engines (Google, Yahoo, Bing) were assessed for accessibility to individual fellowship websites. Each program's ANSPIP data sheet and fellowship-specific website were then evaluated for the presence of 18 characteristics of interest to the neurotology fellowship applicant.

RESULTS

All three search engines yielded 23 (96%) Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-accredited neurotology fellowship websites. Searching "Neurotology fellowships" in Google, Yahoo, and Bing required exploring up to nine pages of search results to identify all of the ACGME-accredited program-specific websites. Direct links to program websites were found on 12 (55%) and 3 (13%) of the ANSPIP and FREIDA fellowship pages, respectively. Of the 18 characteristics of interest, the ANSPIP data sheet and individual program websites on average delineated 8.0 and 7.8 characteristics, respectively. Ninety-one percent of fellowship websites included program coordinator information, general program description, and breadth of surgical exposure. In contrast, work/life balance, postfellowship placement, and current fellow(s) were least commonly displayed (4%, 9%, 13% respectively). One-hundred percent of ANSPIP data sheets included program coordinator information, number of fellows, and affiliated hospital(s), whereas none of the pages included selection criteria, application requirements, description of location, or work/life balance.

CONCLUSION

Although most neurotology fellowship programs have websites or ANSPIP data sheets, many of them lack information that has been previously demonstrated to be valued by applicants. Furthermore, incongruence of information between these sources may lead to confusion, applicant stress, and reflect poorly on fellowship programs. Perhaps a standardized list of ACGME-required data points to be posted on websites would facilitate the application process.

The Current State of Nuclear Medicine and Nuclear Radiology: Workforce Trends, Training Pathways, and Training Program Websites

BACKGROUND

Nuclear medicine (NM) is a multidisciplinary field. Its overlap with nuclear radiology (NR) creates unique training considerations, opportunities, and challenges. Various factors impact the workforce, training needs, and training pathways. This state of flux may be perplexing to prospective NM/NR trainees.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the state of NM/NR training by assessing the (1) workforce trends and job prospects for NM/NR trainees, (2) NM and NR training pathways, and (3) applicant-accessible online presence of training programs.

METHODS

Workforce trends were analyzed using data collected from the 2017 American College of Radiology Commission on Human Resources Workforce Survey. Information regarding the training pathways leading to board certification(s) for NM and NR physicians were obtained through the American Board of Nuclear Medicine, the American Board of Radiology (ABR), and the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Medical Imaging. Each Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited NM residency or NR fellowship training program's website was reviewed for 20 content items to assess its comprehensiveness for those seeking information regarding eligibility, applications, training curriculum, and program characteristics.

RESULTS

Number of hires for NM/NR physicians has exceeded the projected number of hires from 2014 to 2017. In the last decade, there has been a greater than 25% decrease in the combined number of traditional NM residencies and NR fellowships (79-58 programs) and a greater than 50% decrease in the combined number of NM and NR trainees (173-82 trainees). In 2017, the ABR redesigned its 16-month pathway leading to specialty certification in diagnostic radiology and subspecialty certification in NR. As of March 24, 2019, there are 36 diagnostic radiology or IR residency programs with 64 trainees participating in this redesigned NR pathway. Of the 93.1% (54/58) of traditional Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited NM and NR training programs having websites in the 2017-2018 academic year, the mean number of online criteria met per program was 7.74 ± 3.2 of 20 (38.7%).

CONCLUSION

Recruitment into the traditional NM/NR training pathways has been steadily declining, but there has been a renewed interest with the redesigned ABR 16-month pathway. There is a paucity of online information available to prospective NM/NR applicants. In this rapidly evolving and unique field, it is important to streamline NM/NR training and bolster the information accessible to potential NM/NR applicants as they weigh career options.

How well do we represent ourselves: an analysis of musculoskeletal radiology fellowships website content in Canada and the USA

OBJECTIVE

Radiology residents review information available on fellowship program websites for shortlisting programs and for applying for fellowships. The aim of this study was to evaluate the comprehensiveness of musculoskeletal (MSK) fellowship program websites.

METHODS

The content of US and Canadian MSK fellowship program websites was evaluated using 25 distinct criteria in the following domains: application, recruitment, research, clinical, education, clinical work, benefits. Programs without websites were excluded from analysis.

RESULTS

In Canada and the USA, there were 100 MSK fellowship programs, 90 of them having dedicated websites. The average score across all programs was 9.5/25 or 38%. The most comprehensive program included 18/25 items or 72%. The least comprehensive program included only 1/25 items or 4%. The median score across all programs was 9/25 or 36%.More programs included information on the application process (65.5/90, 72.8%; SD 24.7%) than in education/research (24/90, 26.7%; SD 17.3%) or incentives (12.5/90, 13.9%; SD 7.8%).Mean scores amongst US schools did not differ based on geographical distribution (p = 0.32), although they did by rank; schools ranked in the bottom tier scored lower than the unranked, middle, and top tier schools (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The majority of MSK fellowship program websites are not comprehensive. Areas that needed the most improvement include incentives, education/research, clinical teaching, and recruitment information. Addressing these insufficiencies can help programs in easing the application process for prospective fellows and enhance recruitment.

Non-interventional Radiology Fellowship Programs: What Is Out There?

OBJECTIVE

To determine the spectrum of non-interventional radiology fellowship programs in institutions that offer both a radiology residency program and one or more non-interventional radiology fellowship programs.

METHODS

Institutions offering both radiology residency and non-interventional radiology fellowship programs were identified using publicly available websites. The non-interventional radiology fellowship programs were categorized into "traditional" (neuroradiology, breast imaging, abdominal imaging, musculoskeletal imaging, thoracic imaging, pediatric radiology, and nuclear medicine) and "nontraditional" fellowship programs. The nontraditional programs were stratified into four categories: a) Combinations of traditional fellowships; b) Focused nontraditional fellowships; c) Combinations of traditional and focused nontraditional fellowships (excluding traditional-traditional combinations); and d) Mandatory two-year fellowships. The distributions of the different types of traditional and nontraditional fellowship programs were evaluated.

RESULTS

555 fellowship programs were identified in 113 institutions that offered both radiology residency and non-interventional radiology fellowship programs. 73.33% (407/555) of the programs were traditional fellowships, and 26.66% (148/555) were nontraditional fellowships. The 148 nontraditional fellowship programs were comprised of 41 different types of programs, 23 types of which were unique to and offered exclusively at specific institutions. 38.08% of the traditional fellowship programs were Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) accredited, while only 16.21% (24/148) of the nontraditional fellowship programs were ACGME-accredited.

CONCLUSIONS

The nontraditional non-interventional radiology fellowship programs are formed by a heterogeneous group of programs, some of which are offered exclusively at a single institution. Awareness of the types of existing programs would help radiology residents in making a more informed decision regarding their fellowship training.

Advertise Right by Addressing the Concerns: An Evaluation of Women's/Breast Imaging Radiology Fellowship Website Content for Prospective Fellows

PURPOSE

Fellowship is an important part of postgraduate medical training as it facilitates advanced training in a subspecialty of interest. Internet is the most readily available and frequently used tool for acquiring information about the fellowship programs by residents worldwide. The aim of this study was to analyze the content of the websites of American and Canadian breast/women's imaging fellowship programs.

METHODS

The content of active Canadian and American breast/women's imaging fellowship websites was collected and analyzed in August 2019 using 27 different criteria in the categories of application process, recruitment, education, research, clinical work, and incentives. The fellowship program without a webpage were excluded from the study.

RESULTS

Out of 76 active breast/women's imaging Radiology fellowship programs in the US and Canada, 75 had dedicated fellowship websites available for analysis. One program was excluded due to lack of a dedicated website. On average, websites showcased 11 of the 27 criteria (40.0%). The category with the least prevalent information was incentives especially career placement after completion of the fellowship (1/75, 1.3%). Majority of the programs around 80.0% (60/75) had adequate information about the application process and requirements. The mean number of schools satisfying the different groups of criteria differed (P< 0.01); more schools satisfied the application criteria (60.5/75; 79.6% ± 20.3%) than the incentives (12.8/75; 16.8% ± 8.2%) and recruitment (24.5/75; 32.2% ± 29.7%) criteria.

CONCLUSION

Majority of the breast and women's imaging fellowship websites lack important information. Providing comprehensive online information about the program and application process may help the applicants to choose the best suited program for their academic needs and career progression.

An Evaluation of the Content of Canadian and American Nuclear Medicine Fellowship Websites

BACKGROUND

Radiology trainees frequently use the Internet to research potential fellowship programs across all subspecialties. For a field like nuclear medicine, which has multiple training pathways, program websites can be an essential resource for potential applicants. This study aimed to analyze the online content of Canadian and American Nuclear Medicine fellowship websites.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The content of all active Canadian and American Nuclear Medicine fellowship websites was evaluated using 26 criteria in the following subdivisions: application, recruitment, education, research, clinical work, and incentives. Fellowships without websites were excluded from the study. Scores were summed per program and compared by geographic region and ranking.

RESULTS

A total of 42 active Canadian and American Nuclear Medicine fellowship programs were identified, of which 39 fellowships had dedicated fellowship websites available for the analysis. On average, fellowship websites contained 34.4% (9 ± 3.3) of the 26 criteria. Programs did not score differently on the criteria by geographical distribution (P = .08) nor by ranking (P = .18).

CONCLUSION

Most Canadian and American Nuclear Medicine fellowship websites are lacking content relevant to prospective fellows. Addressing inadequacies in online content may support programs to inform and recruit residents into fellowship programs.