A Qualitative Analysis of Pediatric Otolaryngology Fellowship Websites

Abstract

ObjectiveTo 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. MethodsProgram-created pediatric otolaryngology fellowship websites and the ASPO directory were evaluated for 16 key criteria deemed to be relevant to fellowship applicants. ResultsAll 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%). ConclusionPediatric 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.