Abstract No. 465 Making a case for more IR residency positions: comparing qualifications of medical students applying to IR/DR residencies to NRMP DR match data

Abstract

To compare measurable qualifications of medical students applying to diagnostic radiology (DR) and interventional radiology/diagnostic radiology (IR) programs in order to promote and support creation of new IR residency positions. NRMP DR match outcome data (2016) and survey data from medical students applying for the upcoming match were used to compare measurable qualifications of medical students applying to IR residencies with those who match into DR residencies. DR data was based on NRMP data from 652 US allopathic seniors who matched in 2016. A total of 32 medical students completed the survey. Out of the students surveyed, 100% are planning on pursuing careers in IR. The majority of the student respondents were in their match application year (75%) and applying to both IR and DR residencies (100%). Students planned to rank IR programs ahead of DR programs (100%). No students intend to apply to only IR programs or DR programs without early specialization in IR (ESIR). Medical students pursuing IR residencies had better average Step 1 and Step 2 CK scores when compared to those who matched in DR (249 vs. 240 and 251 vs. 247, respectively). The percentage of students who had achieved AOA status was also higher among those applying to IR (31%) when compared to DR (18.4%). There were more research experiences and scholarly activity per applicant in the IR group (3.9 and 5.7) when compared to those who matched in DR (3.1 and 4.9). Both groups had similar work and volunteer experiences. Interestingly, there were more students matched into DR with Ph.D. or graduate degrees (5% and 15.4%) when compared to those applying to IR (3.1% and 9.4%). Medical students pursuing careers in IR perform better than their DR counterparts in several key measurable qualifications. DR residencies should favour starting an IR residency and existing IR residencies should consider expansion in order pursue these high caliber students as they appear driven to seek institutions that will satisfy their ability to train in IR.