Author's reply

Abstract

I thank Okafor et al for their interest in our article “A Critical Need: Increasing Interest in the Field of Allergy and Immunology in Medical Students and Residents” and their thoughtful questions. The general downward trend in the number of candidates per fellowship position in the Allergy and Immunology (AI) fellowship training program match from 1.7 in 2008 to 1.0 in 2018 is concerning and an area of discussion and planning for many in the field. 1 [NRMP] National Resident Matching ProgramResults and data February 2010. http://www.nrmp.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/resultsanddatasms2010.pdfDate accessed: July 4, 2018 Google Scholar , 2 [NRMP] National Resident Matching ProgramResults and Data February 2018. http://www.nrmp.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Results-and-Data-SMS-2018.pdfDate accessed: July 4, 2018 Google Scholar A study by Macy et al 3 Macy M.L. Leslie L.K. Boyer D. Van K.D. Freed G.L. Timing and stability of fellowship choices during pediatric residency: a longitudinal survey. J Pediatr. 2018; 198: 294-300 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (13) Google Scholar revealed that the key time in the decision-making process on whether to pursue fellowship training could be in the final years of medical school or early in primary residency training, so those points in one's career might be the best focus of any interventions to increase engagement and interest in AI. 3 Macy M.L. Leslie L.K. Boyer D. Van K.D. Freed G.L. Timing and stability of fellowship choices during pediatric residency: a longitudinal survey. J Pediatr. 2018; 198: 294-300 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (13) Google Scholar As noted in the original manuscript, often those early learners may not have a significant exposure to AI at their home medical centers, because many of them do not have an AI fellowship training program or AI faculty on staff at their institution. That being said, exposure to the discipline of AI does not only occur through hospital-based practitioners. The field of AI is fortunate to have many board-certified practitioners in private practice settings across the country who are very engaged and provide outstanding education to young learners. This may occur in their private practice office or if the providers also practice at a local hospital clinic, in that setting. At this time, I am unaware of any negative perceptions about the field of AI, but further consideration of that question could be both interesting and helpful as we work to increase the number of residents pursuing AI fellowship training. Although funding for graduate medical education training programs is competitive, the goal would be to ensure that none of the current excellent AI fellowship programs would need to close secondary to a decline in the number of applicants. Many in AI are working within our large national societies and local communities to increase the number of top tier candidates applying to AI fellowship training programs. Hopefully working within the AI community with those who practice in all settings, we can increase interest in our field and the fellowship applicant pool. A critical need: Increasing interest in the field of allergy and immunologyAnnals of Allergy, Asthma & ImmunologyVol. 122Issue 2PreviewWe read with interest Dr Scherzer’s1 article on the downward trend in applicants for allergy and immunology (AI) fellowship programs, and we commend Dr Scherzer for exploring approaches to increase interest. Full-Text PDF