Abstract
BackgroundThe criteria for successful ranking in the fellowship match remains unclear. Although some data are available regarding the qualities sought after in medical students for the residency match, little information is available regarding the fellowship match. In this study, for arthroplasty applications to our institution, the interview was hypothesized to be the most important factor for ranking, with little impact from other commonly assessed variables.MethodologyAll 40 applicants who applied for fellowship were selected to interview for the 2017 Brown University Comprehensive Adult Reconstruction Fellowship and were evaluated on the interview, United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) scores, letters of recommendation, personal statement, extracurricular activities, research, and caliber of undergraduate institution, medical school, and residency program. The interview score was based on a combined score of individual components of personality, program fit, and research.ResultsOf the 40 applicants who were interviewed, eight did not match. The interview score was the only statistically significant variable and had the highest correlation with ranking (r = 0.92). Moreover, extracurricular activities correlated with a higher ranking whereas USMLE Step 1/Step 2 scores had a relatively low correlation (r = 0.32 and 0.29, respectively). Recommendation letters and caliber of medical school, undergraduate education, and residency demonstrated low correlations. The personal statement and research components had the lowest correlations.ConclusionsThe combined interview score, in particular the personality and program fit components, was the most important determinant of successful ranking at our institution. Because all 40 applicants who applied for an arthroplasty fellowship at our institution were selected for an interview, there was no pre-interview selection bias that would confound these results. However, the ranking does not correlate with an applicant’s success in fellowship, and further research is required to determine the qualifications of a successful surgeon.
Highlights
Candidate selection during medical training remains a controversial subject
Extracurricular activities correlated with a higher ranking whereas United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1/Step 2 scores had a relatively low correlation (r = 0.32 and 0.29, respectively)
Because all 40 applicants who applied for an arthroplasty fellowship at our institution were selected for an interview, there was no pre-interview selection bias that would confound these results
Summary
Candidate selection during medical training remains a controversial subject. From medical school to fellowship, candidates are assessed using conventional criteria that function as markers for what selection committees predict will yield successful physicians and/or surgeons. Research has further elucidated the process of selection for orthopedic residency; little has been published on the subject of fellowship selection [1,2]. The fellowship process has evolved to resemble the residency match [3]. The pathway involves a formalized match in which both programs and fellowship directors have more information regarding the other party than they did in years past [4]. The criteria for successful ranking in the fellowship match remains unclear. Some data are available regarding the qualities sought after in medical students for the residency match, little information is available regarding the fellowship match. For arthroplasty applications to our institution, the interview was hypothesized to be the most important factor for ranking, with little impact from other commonly assessed variables
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
