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Pannu RS, Mills N, Tsibulski A, Pappas G. Diagnostic Radiology Fellowship Applicant Selection Criteria: A Survey of Program Directors. Cureus 2023; 15:e38409. [PMID: 37273327 PMCID: PMC10232295 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.38409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction In this study, we aimed to investigate the importance of various characteristics used by diagnostic radiology subspecialty fellowship programs when selecting candidates for their fellowship programs. Methods An online survey was sent to program directors from multiple radiology fellowship programs in the United States. Multiple questions were asked, including applicant gender, personal statement, interview performance, research experience, United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) performance, and residency program attended. Survey recipients were asked to rank these characteristics from least to most important. Results A total of 119 responses were collected (response rate of 26.2%), with a relatively balanced representation of the different subspecialties. An aggregate analysis of all the subspecialties showed interview performance, letters of recommendation, and residency program attended as the three most important factors considered by the program directors when selecting a candidate for their fellowship program. In contrast, the three least important factors were gender, prior subspecialty training, and minority status. The applicant's visa status, personal statement, and USMLE Step 3 performance were the only statistically significant (p<0.05) differences between the subspecialties. The women's and body imaging subspecialties rated the personal statement more important than musculoskeletal imaging and neuroradiology. Cardiothoracic and musculoskeletal imaging rated the applicant's visa status more important than neuroradiology. Women's and cardiothoracic imaging rated USMLE Step 3 performance as more important than musculoskeletal imaging. Conclusion Selecting the ideal candidate for a fellowship in radiology can be difficult. Our findings outline which applicant characteristics program directors believe are the most and least important when selecting an ideal candidate. For instance, personal characteristics such as interview performance and letters of recommendation are more valued than extracurricular activities such as research experience. Identifying these characteristics provides a better understanding of the fellowship application process and may guide future applicants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajbir S Pannu
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Trinity Health Oakland Hospital, Pontiac, USA
| | - Nicholas Mills
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Trinity Health Oakland Hospital, Pontiac, USA
| | - Alexander Tsibulski
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Trinity Health Oakland Hospital, Pontiac, USA
| | - George Pappas
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Trinity Health Oakland Hospital, Pontiac, USA
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Almansour H, O'Shea A, England RW, Afat S, Nikolaou K, Othman AE. Fellowship Training: Navigating the Decision to Be a Generalist or a Subspecialist- Radiology In Training. Radiology 2022; 305:E63-E65. [PMID: 35819323 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.220422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Haidara Almansour
- From the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen University Hospital, Hoppe-Seyler-Str 3, 72076 Tübingen, Germany (H.A., S.A., K.N., A.E.O.); Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Mass (A.O.); Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Md (R.W.E.); and Department of Neuroradiology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany (A.E.O.)
| | - Aileen O'Shea
- From the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen University Hospital, Hoppe-Seyler-Str 3, 72076 Tübingen, Germany (H.A., S.A., K.N., A.E.O.); Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Mass (A.O.); Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Md (R.W.E.); and Department of Neuroradiology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany (A.E.O.)
| | - Ryan W England
- From the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen University Hospital, Hoppe-Seyler-Str 3, 72076 Tübingen, Germany (H.A., S.A., K.N., A.E.O.); Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Mass (A.O.); Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Md (R.W.E.); and Department of Neuroradiology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany (A.E.O.)
| | - Saif Afat
- From the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen University Hospital, Hoppe-Seyler-Str 3, 72076 Tübingen, Germany (H.A., S.A., K.N., A.E.O.); Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Mass (A.O.); Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Md (R.W.E.); and Department of Neuroradiology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany (A.E.O.)
| | - Konstantin Nikolaou
- From the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen University Hospital, Hoppe-Seyler-Str 3, 72076 Tübingen, Germany (H.A., S.A., K.N., A.E.O.); Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Mass (A.O.); Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Md (R.W.E.); and Department of Neuroradiology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany (A.E.O.)
| | - Ahmed E Othman
- From the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen University Hospital, Hoppe-Seyler-Str 3, 72076 Tübingen, Germany (H.A., S.A., K.N., A.E.O.); Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Mass (A.O.); Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Md (R.W.E.); and Department of Neuroradiology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany (A.E.O.)
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Women are becoming doctors in greater numbers. Despite this, there is evidence of female doctors' continued differential treatment compared to their male counterparts. PURPOSE The aim of this study was to review systematically the extant literature on the gender-based pay gap in medicine across time, different medical specialties, and different countries of clinical practice. METHODS Systematic search of three databases using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Studies needed to be empirical and contain either an unadjusted or adjusted gender-based finding related to pay. RESULTS A total of 46 articles published since 2000 contained a gender-based finding related to physician pay. Thirty-two of these 46 articles presented either adjusted or unadjusted means comparisons (or both) comparing pay between male and female physicians. Eighteen of the 46 articles controlled for one or more variables in examining pay between the two groups. Across almost all studies, female doctors earn significantly less than men, often tens of thousands of dollars less annually, despite similar demographic and work-related profiles. This earnings gap is persistent across time, medical specialty, and country of practice. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS The gender-based pay gap is an ongoing crisis within medicine that must be addressed. From a practice perspective, women physicians may benefit from greater organizational awareness of potential workplace bias and the implementation of more supportive policies aimed at better equalizing compensation through greater support and transparency related to salary negotiations, promotional opportunities, and pay scales across various job titles.
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Godoy IRB, Neto LP, Skaf A, Leão-Filho HM, Freddi TDAL, Jasinowodolinski D, Yamada AF. Audiovisual Content for a Radiology Fellowship Selection Process During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Pilot Web-Based Questionnaire Study. JMIR MEDICAL EDUCATION 2021; 7:e28733. [PMID: 33956639 PMCID: PMC8139391 DOI: 10.2196/28733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traditional radiology fellowships are usually 1- or 2-year clinical training programs in a specific area after completion of a 4-year residency program. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the experience of fellowship applicants in answering radiology questions in an audiovisual format using their own smartphones after answering radiology questions in a traditional printed text format as part of the application process during the COVID-19 pandemic. We hypothesized that fellowship applicants would find that recorded audiovisual radiology content adds value to the conventional selection process, may increase engagement by using their own smartphone device, and facilitate the understanding of imaging findings of radiology-based questions, while maintaining social distancing. METHODS One senior staff radiologist of each subspecialty prepared 4 audiovisual radiology questions for each subspecialty. We conducted a survey using web-based questionnaires for 123 fellowship applications for musculoskeletal (n=39), internal medicine (n=61), and neuroradiology (n=23) programs to evaluate the experience of using audiovisual radiology content as a substitute for the conventional text evaluation. RESULTS Most of the applicants (n=122, 99%) answered positively (with responses of "agree" or "strongly agree") that images in digital forms are of superior quality to those printed on paper. In total, 101 (82%) applicants agreed with the statement that the presentation of cases in audiovisual format facilitates the understanding of the findings. Furthermore, 81 (65%) candidates agreed or strongly agreed that answering digital forms is more practical than conventional paper forms. CONCLUSIONS The use of audiovisual content as part of the selection process for radiology fellowships is a new approach to evaluate the potential to enhance the applicant's experience during this process. This technology also allows for the evaluation of candidates without the need for in-person interaction. Further studies could streamline these methods to minimize work redundancy with traditional text assessments or even evaluate the acceptance of using only audiovisual content on smartphones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Rodrigues Barros Godoy
- Department of Radiology, Hospital do Coração and Teleimagem, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luís Pecci Neto
- Department of Radiology, Hospital do Coração and Teleimagem, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- ALTA Diagnostic Center (DASA Group), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Abdalla Skaf
- Department of Radiology, Hospital do Coração and Teleimagem, São Paulo, Brazil
- ALTA Diagnostic Center (DASA Group), São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - André Fukunishi Yamada
- Department of Radiology, Hospital do Coração and Teleimagem, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- ALTA Diagnostic Center (DASA Group), São Paulo, Brazil
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Lee MV, Katzen JT, Al-Khalili R, Choudhery S, Whitman G, Brem R. Breast Imaging Fellowship Match: Applicants' Perspectives of Years Two and Three. JOURNAL OF BREAST IMAGING 2020; 2:471-477. [PMID: 38424908 DOI: 10.1093/jbi/wbaa065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to summarize the results of a survey distributed by the Society of Breast Imaging (SBI) to assess applicants' experience with the 2018 and 2019 Breast Imaging Fellowship Match process. METHODS In this institutional review board-exempt study, the SBI issued an anonymous survey to all matched applicants in an attempt to gauge their experience with the 2018 and 2019 Match process. RESULTS The survey was sent to all 2018 and 2019 matched applicants and 105/236 (45%) responses were received. The majority (75%, 79/105) of respondents reported a positive experience with the Match, with at least a 4/5 rating, and only 3% (5/105) reported a rating below 3/5. There was some improvement in 2019, with 86% (24/28) of respondents reporting at least a 4/5 rating compared to 71% (55/77) in 2018. No respondent reported a score below a 3/5 rating in 2019. The most commonly cited issues with the Match were the timing of the Match process, the need for a universal application, and the burden of travel. Location and program reputation were the two most important factors contributing to the final rank order of programs. CONCLUSION The great majority of applicants felt that the Match created a positive experience. Planned areas of improvement include the implementation of a universal application, the transition to virtual interviews, and a condensed timeline. These measures are likely to increase applicant satisfaction and provide a fair and efficient experience for future breast radiologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle V Lee
- Augusta University at the Medical College of Georgia, Department of Radiology, Augusta, GA
| | - Janine T Katzen
- Weill Cornell Medicine, Department of Radiology, New York, NY
| | - Rend Al-Khalili
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Department of Radiology, Washington, DC
| | | | - Gary Whitman
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Radiology, Houston, TX
| | - Rachel Brem
- The George Washington University, Department of Radiology, Washington, DC
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The radiology fellowship application and selection process in the United States: experiences and perceptions from both sides. Radiol Res Pract 2012; 2012:875083. [PMID: 22848822 PMCID: PMC3403493 DOI: 10.1155/2012/875083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2012] [Accepted: 05/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective. Our purpose was to investigate radiology fellowship directors' and recent fellows' experiences and perceptions with regard to the fellowship application and selection process and to compare these experiences and perceptions. Materials and Methods. Institutional review board approval was obtained. We conducted an online survey of the memberships of three radiology subspecialty societies between October 2009 and December 2009 to learn about radiologists' views regarding various aspects of radiology fellowships. Results. In the process of selecting fellows, program directors and recent fellows consider performance during the radiology residency and the quality or prestige of the residency program as the most important objective factors, and the personal interview, letters of recommendation, and personality as the most important subjective factors. 25% of the program directors were in the match, and 41% of the recent fellows were in the match. Most (48%) of program directors favored a match, but most (56%) of the recent fellows disfavored participating in a match. Both program directors and recent fellows expressed satisfaction with the fellowship application and selection process. Conclusion. There was no majority support for a fellowship match among program directors and recent fellows and less support among recent fellows. Recent fellows appear more satisfied with the current selection and application process than program directors.
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Larson DB, Johnson LW, Schnell BM, Goske MJ, Salisbury SR, Forman HP. Rising use of CT in child visits to the emergency department in the United States, 1995-2008. Radiology 2011; 259:793-801. [PMID: 21467249 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.11101939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 202] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe nationwide trends and factors associated with the use of computed tomography (CT) in children visiting emergency departments (EDs) in the United States between 1995 and 2008. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was exempt from institutional review board oversight. Data from the 1995-2008 National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey were used to evaluate the number and percentage of visits associated with CT for patients younger than 18 years. A mean of 7375 visits were sampled each year. Data were subcategorized according to multiple patient and hospital characteristics. The Rao-Scott χ(2) test was performed to determine whether CT use was similar across subpopulations. RESULTS From 1995 to 2008, the number of pediatric ED visits that included CT examination increased from 0.33 to 1.65 million, a fivefold increase, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.2%. The percentage of visits associated with CT increased from 1.2% to 5.9%, a 4.8-fold increase, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.8%. The number of visits associated with CT at pediatric-focused and non-pediatric-focused EDs increased from 14,895 and 316,133, respectively, in 1995 to 212,716 and 1,438,413, respectively, in 2008. By the end of the study period, top chief complaints among those undergoing CT included head injury, abdominal pain, and headache. CONCLUSION Use of CT in children who visit the ED has increased substantially and occurs primarily at non-pediatric-focused facilities. This underscores the need for special attention to this vulnerable population to ensure that imaging is appropriately ordered, performed, and interpreted.
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Affiliation(s)
- David B Larson
- Department of Radiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave, MLC 5031, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
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Factors Influencing Subspecialty Choice Among Radiology Residents: A Case Study of Pediatric Radiology. J Am Coll Radiol 2009; 6:635-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2009.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2009] [Accepted: 05/05/2009] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Shetty SK, Venkatesan AM, Foster KM, Galdino GM, Lawrimore TM, Davila JA. The Radiology Class of 2005: Postresidency Plans. J Am Coll Radiol 2005; 2:852-8. [PMID: 17411947 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2005.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2005] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine the postresidency plans of the radiology residency class of 2005, including influences on and trends in the decision to pursue subspecialty fellowship training after residency. METHODS An electronic survey composed by the ACR Resident and Fellow Section was completed by 416 senior residents (a 46.9% response rate) enrolled in allopathic radiology residency programs from across the United States, representing approximately 41.2% of the entire residency class. RESULTS Eighty-seven percent (95% confidence interval 83.8% to 90.2%) of respondents plan to do fellowships immediately after residency, representing an increasing number, compared with published figures from the 1990s. Increasing age at the completion of residency was independently and significantly correlated with the decision not to pursue a fellowship. There has been a shift in the most popular fellowships, with an increased interest in musculoskeletal radiology fellowships and decreased interest in interventional radiology. Among residents not pursuing immediate fellowship training, the most common plans were private practice positions (48.1%), military obligations (22.2%), and nighthawk positions (9.3%). CONCLUSION An increasing number of residents are electing to pursue subspecialty training after the completion of residency. Close monitoring of the postresidency plans of current residents may portend important trends in education, residency training, and changes in the radiology workforce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay K Shetty
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Radiology, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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Swayne LC. The private-practice perspective of the manpower crisis in radiology: Greener pastures? J Am Coll Radiol 2004; 1:834-41. [PMID: 17411714 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2004.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Rising consumer expectations and a rapidly aging population point to a long-term shortage of all physicians, including radiologists. While attention has been drawn to the escalating manpower crisis in academic radiology departments, the private-practice perspective has been generally overlooked. Although clinical workloads and income are higher in private practice, studies have shown higher satisfaction levels (likely because of a greater variety of work) among academic radiologists. As the distinction between community and teaching hospitals has become increasingly blurred, there is now considerable overlap in the skill sets, sources of job satisfaction, and stresses that are encountered in both practice settings. Perhaps more than at any time in the recent past, diagnostic radiologists in academic and private practice share more in common than any perceived differences. Both groups must work together in concert with the ACR to address the growing manpower shortage, as well as the other challenges that confront diagnostic radiology at the beginning of the 21st century.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence C Swayne
- Morristown Memorial Hospital, Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Morristown, New Jersey 07960, USA.
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Kazerooni EA. Referral to radiologists: the value of expertise and specialty training in the practice of radiology (more than a doc in a dark box). Acad Radiol 2002; 9:1365-7. [PMID: 12553346 DOI: 10.1016/s1076-6332(03)80661-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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