MP66-05 FACTORS AFFECTING APPLICATION RATES TO UROLOGY RESIDENCY PROGRAMS

Abstract

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023MP66-05 FACTORS AFFECTING APPLICATION RATES TO UROLOGY RESIDENCY PROGRAMS F. Pearce Kudlata, Salil S. Ghamande, William M. Pearson, Luke G. Scanlan, Brittany Ange, John J. de Caro, and Martha K. Terris F. Pearce KudlataF. Pearce Kudlata More articles by this author , Salil S. GhamandeSalil S. Ghamande More articles by this author , William M. PearsonWilliam M. Pearson More articles by this author , Luke G. ScanlanLuke G. Scanlan More articles by this author , Brittany AngeBrittany Ange More articles by this author , John J. de CaroJohn J. de Caro More articles by this author , and Martha K. TerrisMartha K. Terris More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003329.05AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Interest in urology has risen sharply in recent years, creating an increasingly competitive match. Many factors attract or repel applicants, but it remains unclear which factors truly affect application rates. This project aimed to elucidate the factors that influence application rates so both urology residency programs and applicants can employ evidence-based strategies to increase their number of applicants and odds of acceptance, respectively. METHODS: A list of programs and de-identified applicant data was obtained from the AUA/SAU. Usage analytics from 4/1/19-3/31/22 of identified social media accounts were determined using popsters.com. Program size and rankings were acquired from Doximity, city population was obtained from US census data, and city quality of life (QOL) was retrieved from Niche. Statistics were assessed using Spearman’s rank correlations and Dwass, Steel, Critchlow-Fligner multiple comparison tests. RESULTS: Affecting Factors: From 2019-2022, the number of applicants increased with program size and city population (Table 1). Programs with a Twitter presence (90.7%) had significantly more applicants in 2019-2022 than those without (p<.01). The mean number of applicants increased with a program’s Twitter followers, following, and total posts (Table 1). After adjusting for multiple variables, programs in higher research and reputation rank quintiles received more applications over the 4 years (p<.0001). Program size and Twitter activity were significantly correlated with reputation quintile (p<.0001). Non-Affecting Factors: From 2020-2022, program city QOL was not associated with increased applications (Table 1). AUA Section also had no significant impact on applicant numbers (p>.05). There was no significant correlation between YouTube or Instagram activity and applicant numbers (Table 1). CONCLUSIONS: Urology residency programs and student applicants should prioritize medical Twitter activity over other social media platforms. Programs should focus on promoting city population, program size, research, and reputation rather than city QOL or geographical region to attract more applicants. Applicants should spread their applications and preference signals to programs across all rank quintiles to adjust for application numbers and potentially increase their match rate. Source of Funding: None © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e933 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information F. Pearce Kudlata More articles by this author Salil S. Ghamande More articles by this author William M. Pearson More articles by this author Luke G. Scanlan More articles by this author Brittany Ange More articles by this author John J. de Caro More articles by this author Martha K. Terris More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...