Canadian Residency Matching Service Research Articles

Sticky Floor, Broken Ladder, and Glass Ceiling in Internal Medicine Academic Ranking, Leadership, and Research Productivity.

Despite more women entering medicine, substantial gender disparities remain in various medical disciplines. This study explores the extent of these disparities in Canadian academic internal medicine, particularly in academic ranks, leadership positions, and research productivity. Cross-sectional. Faculty physicians within internal medicine and subspecialties. Data on faculty physicians with Medical Doctorate (MD), Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), or Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degrees were compiled from 17 internal medicine programs listed in the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS). Research metrics were obtained using Elsevier's Scopus, and analyses were performed with Stata v14.2. Among 5099 physician faculty members in internal medicine, 34% were women, and 66% were men. Among the faculty members holding leadership positions, 68% were men, and 32% were women. There was a significant difference in h-index between men and women physician faculty members (p ≤ 0.001), with men having a higher research output. Across all academic ranks, men faculty had higher median h-index values: Assistant Professor (12 vs. 9), Associate Professor (20 vs. 16), and Professor (40 vs. 30). Women were underrepresented in the procedural specialties, while only a few internal medicine subspecialties, such as palliative medicine and geriatrics, had a women predominance. Our study underscores existing gender disparity within academic internal medicine in Canada, aligning with global trends. Women remain disproportionately underrepresented in academic ranks, leadership positions, and research productivity. Addressing these disparities necessitates a systemic and multifaceted approach, encompassing policy reforms, mentorship, and fostering an inclusive work environment.

Trends in female applicants to Canadian ophthalmology residency programs from 1998-2020

Background: Ophthalmology has historically been a male-dominated specialty. Despite there being a higher proportion of females in Canadian medical schools since the early 2000s, it is unknown if trends in female applicants and those accepted to ophthalmology have followed suit. This study aims to evaluate trends in gender representation of ophthalmology applicants to Canadian residency programs from 1998 to 2020 and to compare those trends to other surgical specialties. Methods: We obtained aggregate data of the annual number of male and female applicants ranking and successfully matching to ophthalmology as their first-choice specialty from the Canadian Residency Matching Service (CaRMS) database. We then carried out a retrospective cross-sectional analysis on the publicly available data. Subsequently, we compared trends in female applicants to ophthalmology, as well as female practicing ophthalmologists, to other surgical disciplines. Results: The proportion of female applicants increased from 24.3% in 1998 to 33.3% in 2020 (p = 0.001), and matched female applicants increased from 28.6% in 1998 to 40.5% in 2020 (p = 0.023). However, the incremental change in proportion did not statistically significantly increase in 2008-2012, 2013-2016, and 2017-2020. Comparison of male and female matching success rates did not reveal a significant difference (p = 0.45). Trends in female applicants to ophthalmology and female practicing ophthalmologists were similar to other surgical specialties. Conclusions: Although the proportion of female applicants is increasing, there is a recent plateau and an inability to equalize the female-to-male ratio in ophthalmology. Further studies are needed to identify potential barriers and mitigate possible residual gender biases.

Can ChatGPT Fool the Match? Artificial Intelligence Personal Statements for Plastic Surgery Residency Applications: A Comparative Study

Introduction: Personal statements can be decisive in Canadian residency applications. With the rise in AI technology, ethical concerns regarding authenticity and originality become more pressing. This study explores the capability of ChatGPT in producing personal statements for plastic surgery residency that match the quality of statements written by successful applicants. Methods: ChatGPT was utilized to generate a cohort of personal statements for CaRMS (Canadian Residency Matching Service) to compare with previously successful Plastic Surgery applications. Each AI-generated and human-written statement was randomized and anonymized prior to assessment. Two retired members of the plastic surgery residency selection committee from the University of British Columbia, evaluated these on a 0 to 10 scale and provided a binary response judging whether each statement was AI or human written. Statistical analysis included Welch 2-sample t tests and Cohen's Kappa for agreement. Results: Twenty-two personal statements (11 AI-generated by ChatGPT and 11 human-written) were evaluated. The overall mean scores were 7.48 (SD 0.932) and 7.68 (SD 0.716), respectively, with no significant difference between AI and human groups ( P = .4129). The average accuracy in distinguishing between human and AI letters was 65.9%. The Cohen's Kappa value was 0.374. Conclusions: ChatGPT can generate personal statements for plastic surgery residency applications with quality indistinguishable from human-written counterparts, as evidenced by the lack of significant scoring difference and moderate accuracy in discrimination by experienced surgeons. These findings highlight the evolving role of AI and the need for updated evaluative criteria or guidelines in the residency application process.

Gender trends in match rate to surgical specialties in Canada: A retrospective study from 2003-2022.

In Canada, there is a recognized underrepresentation of women in the field of surgery. However, the extent to which this trend applies across various surgical specialties is not well delineated. The aim of this study is to identify existing disparities and trends over time to inform the need for future interventions to make the match process more equitable for applicants. Data regarding surgical specialty applicants was extracted from the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS)'s 2003 to 2022 reports. A total of 9,488 applicants ranked surgical specialties as their first choice from 2003-2022. Increases in the proportion of women applicants comparing periods 2003-2007 to 2018-2022 were significant for cardiac surgery (22% to 43%, p = 0.03), general surgery (46% to 60%, p<0.001), orthopedic surgery (23% to 35%, p<0.001), urology (23% to 38%, p<0.001), and all aggregated surgical specialties ('all surgery') (45% to 55%, p<0.001). An increase in the proportion of women applicants who matched over the same periods was observed for general surgery (+47% to 60%, p<0.001), orthopedic surgery (24% to 35%, p<0.01), urology (21% to 34%, p<0.001), and all surgery (46% to 54%, p<0.001). From 2003-2022, a lower match rate for women compared to men was observed for otolaryngology (0.60 v 0.69, p = 0.008), urology (0.61 v 0.72, p = 0.003), and all surgery (0.71 v 0.73, p = 0.038), while higher match rates were observed for ophthalmology (0.65 v 0.58, p = 0.04). No statistically significant differences in match rate were observed from 2018-2022. While the proportion of women applicants to surgical specialties in Canada has been increasing, women remain underrepresented in several surgical specialties. This underrepresentation cannot be solely attributed to fewer women applying to these specialties, as women experience lower success rates when matching to specific surgical specialties. Further research is essential to identify and address the underlying causes of these disparities.

Selection of international medical graduates into postgraduate training positions in Canada. Who applies? Who is selected?

International medical graduates (IMGs) are an essential part of the Canadian physician workforce. Considering current pressures on the health care system, an update regarding application numbers and match rates for IMGs to postgraduate positions in Canada is needed. We conducted a quantitative cross-sectional study to explore the characteristics of IMGs who are currently applying to the Canadian Residency Matching Service (CaRMS) positions to gain a broad understanding of the composition of this group and the factors associated with successful matching. Out of 1,725 applicants in 2019, 14.1% matched on the first attempt and 6.4% after two to three attempts. Only 22.7% matched with a position (57.6% women). Applicants submitted an average 19.6 site/program applications. The percentage of IMGs matched did not statistically differ by gender. The relationship between the year of graduation or geographic area of medical school qualified and matching was significant for the first and second iterations, with current-year graduates and Oceania/Pacific Islands applicants more likely to match. This study provided us with accurate numbers and information about the Canadians studying abroad and IMG groups applying, and factors associated with being matched to the IMG positions through CaRMS, which will be instrumental in informing future selection implications for Canada.

Assessment of h-index and associated demographic and academic parameters for academic hematologists in Canada.

The h-index measures researchers' productivity by assessing simultaneously the number of publications and citations. We aimed to assess the factors that could influence h-index for hematologists practicing in academic institutions in Canada. We identified universities with a hematology residency training programs/fellowships using the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS) website. We obtained the listing of faculty, sex, and academic ranks by consulting faculty directories or by contacting respective departments/universities, when directories were unavailable or incomplete. For each faculty member, we obtained years since Royal College of Physicians' and Surgeons of Canada certification or equivalent, receipt of Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR) grants within the last 5 years, attainment of graduate degrees (M.Sc., Ph.D., other), and the h-index. The data included information collected from 372 individuals (171 females) across Canada (Atlantic Provinces: 13; Quebec: 89; Ontario: 182; Prairie Provinces: 59; British Columbia: 29). Univariate analysis showed that male sex, practicing in British Columbia, longer duration since specialty certification, completion of an M.Sc. or a Ph.D. degree, attaining a higher academic rank and receiving CIHR funding were associated with higher h-index. The results of the univariate analysis were concordant with the multivariate analysis, except that practicing in Ontario was also associated with higher h-index. This study provides details on the h-index curve/parameters for academic productivity of hematologists in Canada. Importantly, based on multivariate analysis, higher h-index was associated with male sex, location of practice, years since certification, attainment of M.Sc. or Ph.D. degrees, academic rank, and recent CIHR funding.

Assessing the Use of Twitter to Share Canadian Residency Match Information During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Purpose In their final year, medical students explore prospective residency programs by completing visiting electives and attending interviews during the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS) process. Due to COVID-19, visiting electives and in-person interviews were suspended, leaving residency programs searching for alternate ways to share CaRMS information with applicants. This study evaluates the utility of Twitter to share CaRMS-related information prior to and during the pandemic. Methods Primary tweets published from three CaRMS cycles between 2018 and 2021 were identified using the analytics tool Vicinitas. The type, content, and language of tweets and the date and location of publication were extracted. Demographic data about tweet creators were determined using provincial regulatory college databases and institutional websites. Descriptive statistics were employed for categorical variables. All tweets were deductively analyzed. Results Of the 1,843 tweets, 603, 472, and 768 were published during the 2018-2019, 2019-2020, and 2020-2021 cycles, respectively. Most tweets were written in English (97.4%) and by medical students (29.5%) affiliated with Ontario universities. The most common types of tweets were supportive messages (29.1%), reflections about CaRMS (24.7%), and positive match results (20.8%). Rurally located institutions experienced the greatest increase in the total number of tweets between the pre- and full-COVID cycles. Conclusion Since COVID-19, Twitter has been increasingly used by medical professionals to share CaRMS-related information, primarily to promote programs and advertise CaRMS events. Given theenvironmental and financial benefits,CaRMS interviews will likely remain virtual, which highlights the ongoing need for residency programs to use social media platforms to share information with prospective applicants.

Evaluation of Canadian urology residency and fellowship program websites.

There is growing use of online resources in the postgraduate medical education application process to provide applicants program-specific details, thus allowing for informed decision-making. Given the variability and non-standardized electronic training descriptions and objectives, our goal was to assess the availability of program information through program websites for both residency and fellowship urology programs across Canada. Using the Canadian Residency Matching Service (CaRMS) and the Canadian Urological Association (CUA) websites, we compiled a list of all Canadian urology residency and fellowship programs. We reviewed all programs' website using a 40-item tool based on seven subcategories, including education, application process, faculty information, trainee/fellow information, research and extra-curricular activities, wellness, and both benefits and career planning. Each website was reviewed by two trained reviewers. Any inter-reviewer discrepancy was resolved by a third-party reviewer. Among 13 Canadian urology residency programs, all had program websites and met 48% of the criteria evaluated. None of the residency program websites reported information on work hours, surgical caseload statistics, or equity diversity and inclusion/community initiatives. Among 37 Canadian urology fellowship programs, 10 programs did not have websites, and the remaining 27 program websites met 28% of the criteria evaluated. Scores were highest for the application process subcategory, while scores were lowest for the wellness and benefits/career planning subcategories among both residency and fellowship programs. With growing reliance and dependence on web resources to access residency and fellowship program information, there is a clear need to standardize and improve Canadian training websites for prospective applicants.

A Canadian survey of residency applicants’ and interviewers’ perceptions of the 2021 CaRMS R1 virtual interviews

BackgroundAll Canadian Residency Matching Service (CaRMS) R1 interviews were conducted virtually for the first time in 2021. We explored the facilitators, barriers, and implications of the virtual interview process for the CaRMS R1 match and provide recommendations for improvement.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey study of CaRMS R1 residency applicants and interviewers across Canada in 2021. Surveys were distributed by email to the interviewers, and by email, social media, or newsletter to the applicants. Inductive thematic analysis was used for open-ended items. Recommendations were provided as frequencies to demonstrate strength. Close-ended items were described and compared across groups using Chi-Square Fisher’s Exact tests.ResultsA total of 127 applicants and 400 interviewers, including 127 program directors, responded to the survey. 193/380 (50.8%) interviewers and 90/118 (76.3%) applicants preferred virtual over in-person interview formats. Facilitators of the virtual interview format included cost and time savings, ease of scheduling, reduced environmental impact, greater equity, less stress, greater reach and participation, and safety. Barriers of the virtual interview format included reduced informal conversations, limited ability for applicants to explore programs at different locations, limited ability for programs to assess applicants’ interest, technological issues, concern for interview integrity, limited non-verbal communication, and reduced networking. The most helpful media for applicants to learn about residency programs were program websites, the CaRMS/AFMC websites, and recruitment videos. Additionally, panel interviews were preferred by applicants for their ability to showcase themselves and build connections with multiple interviewers. Respondents provided recommendations regarding: (1) dissemination of program information, (2) the use of technology, and (3) the virtual interview format.ConclusionsPerceptions of 2021 CaRMS R1 virtual interviews were favourable among applicants and interviewers. Recommendations from this study can help improve future iterations of virtual interviews.

Gender trends in applicants to general surgery residency programs in Canada

BackgroundSurgical disciplines lag behind non-surgical disciplines in attracting female trainees. Female representation of Canadian General Surgeons has not been evaluated in recent years in the literature. The objectives of this study were to assess gender trends in applicants to Canadian General Surgery residency programs and practicing general surgeons and subspecialists. MethodsThis retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed gender data for residency applicants ranking General Surgery as their first-choice discipline from publicly-available annual Canadian Residency Matching Service (CaRMS) R-1 match reports from 1998 to 2021. Aggregate gender data for practicing female physicians in General Surgery and related subspecialties, including Pediatric Surgery, obtained from annual Canadian Medical Association (CMA) census from 2000 to 2019 was also analysed. ResultsThere was a significant increase in the proportion of female applicants from 34% in 1998 to 67% in 2021 (p < 0.001) and of successfully matched candidates from 39% to 68% (p = 0.002) from 1998 to 2021. Success rates between male and female candidates were significantly different in 1998 (p < 0.001), but not in 2021 (p = 0.29). The proportion of practicing female General Surgeons also significantly increased from 10.1% in 2000 to 27.9% in 2019 (p = 0.0013), with variable trends in subspecialties. ConclusionGender inequality in General Surgery residency matches has normalized since 1998. Despite females representing more than 40% of applicants and successfully matched candidates to General Surgery since 2008, a gender gap still exists amongst practicing General Surgeons and subspecialists. This suggests the need for further cultural and systemic change to mitigate gender disparities. Type of studyOriginal research article, clinical research. Level of evidenceLevel III (Retrospective cross-sectional study).

Fifteen-Year Trends in Canadian Female Medical Student Interest in Radiation Oncology

<h3>Purpose/Objective(s)</h3> The proportion of female radiation oncology residents in Canada remains disproportionately low. The objective of this study was to examine 15 years of resident match data to assess trends in gender-specific medical student interest and match characteristics in radiation oncology (RO). <h3>Materials/Methods</h3> Public Canadian Residency Matching Service (CaRMS) data between 2007-21 were compiled. Gender-based analysis focused on Canadian medical graduates (CMGs) ranking RO as their first-choice discipline in the first iteration of the match. Gender data were not available for applicants and match characteristics for second iteration outcomes. Pearson's chi-square test was used to compare 15-year average female medical student interest in RO versus all training programs. Paired t-test was used to compare total, female, and male applicant numbers over five-year increments (2007-11; 2012-16; 2017-21). Statistical analysis was performed using statistical software. <h3>Results</h3> Total applicants to RO programs ranged between 24-51 per year over the study period. The mean number of applicants ranking RO as their first-choice discipline significantly decreased from 24 (range: 20-27) in 2007-11 to 16 (12-18) in 2012-16 (p<0.01), with an increase to 22 (9-28) in 2017-21 (p<0.05). The 15-year average of female RO applicants was 9 per year, ranging from 2/9 (22%) in 2017 to 12/18 (67%) applicants in 2015. Female applicant numbers were lower in 2012-16 (mean 7; 4-12) compared to 2007-11 (mean 14; 11-16; p<0.01). Female applicant numbers in 2017-21 (mean 7; 2-10) were comparable to 2012-16 (p=0.46), but remained lower than 2007-11 (p<0.01). Male applicant numbers were similar (p=0.12) in 2007-11 (mean 10; 9-12) and 2012-16 (mean 8; 5-11), but increased in 2017-21 (mean= 15; 7-20) compared to 2007-11 (p=0.03) and 2012-16 (p=0.01). Overall, 308 CMG applicants ranked RO as their first choice over the past 15 years; 141 females (46%) and 167 males (54%). Over the same period, 56% (24472/43667) of CMG applicants who participated in the CaRMS match were female. Female CMG application rates to RO were significantly lower compared to application rates to all specialties combined (p<0.01). <h3>Conclusion</h3> Despite increasing male applicant numbers, the number of RO-preferring female medical students remains disproportionately low. Female medical student interest in RO over the last ten years has also fallen significantly from 2007-11 levels. These findings highlight the need for early exposure of female medical students and improved mentorship efforts. A deeper understanding of factors influencing female medical students' career selection and CaRMS ranking decisions is required to improve female representation in RO. These data have led to a special interest group proposal for women in RO, now being considered by the Canadian Association of Radiation Oncology.

Ten-year trends in Canadian female medical student interest in radiation oncology: an analysis of data from the Canadian Resident Matching Service (2012-2021)

<h3>Background</h3> Canadian medical student (MS) interest in Radiation Oncology (RO) residency training has varied over the last decade. Concerns related to post-training job availability, employment location flexibility, and extended fellowship training may have affected MS perceptions of RO, potentially deterring past applicants. With recent job market improvements, there has been increased MS interest in the specialty. However, despite recent years showing no gender differences in successfully matching to first-choice overall nonsurgical disciplines, the number of women entering RO residency remains low. This study examines 10 years of resident match data to assess trends in gender-specific interest and match characteristics in RO. <h3>Methods</h3> Publicly available Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS) data from 2012 to 2021 were compiled. Gender-based analysis focused on Canadian medical graduates (CMGs) ranking RO as their first-choice discipline in the match's first iteration. No applicant gender data were available for the 1 to 8 first-year residency positions carried over to the second iteration that occurred in 7 out of 10 matches over the study period. Pearson's chi-square test was used to evaluate whether the number of female applicants differed significantly from what could be expected if RO applicant gender breakdown reflected Canadian CaRMS participant demographics. <h3>Results</h3> Numbers of applicants ranking RO as their first-choice discipline have recently increased. 2018-2021 saw 23-28 RO-preferring applicants, while 2012-2017 saw 9-18. Total applicants ranged from 24-51 per year over the study period. Numbers of female RO-preferring applicants have remained largely unchanged, with a 10-year average of 7 women per year, ranging from 2/15 (13%) in 2016 to 12/27 (44%) RO-preferring applicants in 2018. Overall, 190 CMG applicants ranked RO as their first choice over the last 10 years, comprising 73 females (38%) and 117 males (62%). During this period, 56% (17696/31618) of CMG applicants who participated in the CaRMS match were female. ​​Rates of female applicants to RO were significantly lower compared to rates of female applicants to all specialties combined (p < 0.01). <h3>Discussion</h3> While recent years have had more RO-preferring applicants overall, numbers of RO-preferring female applicants have remained low, and disproportionately less than rates of female CaRMS participants. Findings highlight the need for greater understanding of the factors influencing female medical students' career selection and CaRMS ranking decisions to develop strategies to improve female representation in RO.

Successful Applicant and Program Director Perspectives on the Virtual Residency Selection Process for Canadian Surgical Subspecialties.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic imparted an important shift in strategies postgraduate surgical programs use to recruit, interact with, and select medical students applying through the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS). With this unprecedented shift toward virtual applicant selection, this study sought to explore and analyze perspectives of the first cohort of program directors (PDs) and applicants who participated in this process. Methods: A cross-sectional survey study was designed using Google Forms for both PDs and applicants participating in the 2021 CaRMS surgical subspecialty selection process. Questions pertained to format and content of virtual engagement methods, the interview itself, as well as advice for future applicants. Results: Thirty-five PDs and 40 successful applicants (n = 75) participated in the study. Cost reduction was the most commonly reported benefit of online interviewing by PDs (85%), followed by efficiency (71%), enhanced resource management (49%), and ability to conduct more interviews (23%). Strong letters of reference (80%) and interview performance (74%) remained the most significant factors in virtual applicant selection. Attendance to virtual recruitment events did not increase the likelihood of offering interviews (n = 24, 69% of PDs), although the ability to perform in-person electives held tremendous value. Most applicants (90%) reported on virtual information sessions as the best method for learning about programs; work culture and environment were topics most valued as discussion points (90%). Successful applicants provided an average confidence of 76% regarding their suitability with their matched programs. Seventy-three percent of applicants (n = 29) had either a preference for virtual interviews or were equivocal, while 51.4% of PDs (n = 18) preferred interviews to be conducted virtually for future cohorts. Conclusion: Trainees are entering residency with confidence following a virtual selection process, and PDs feel confident in their selections. Although no clear consensus exists regarding preference for virtual or in-person interviews, several advantages for virtual resident selection exist. The influence of an in-person elective was found difficult to replace, regardless of interview format. The importance of applicant engagement with programs prior to interviews is highlighted and discussed with recommendations provided for best practices.

The Surgical Skills and Technology Elective Program and Medical Student Career Choice.

The Surgical Skills and Technology Elective Program (SSTEP) is a bootcamp for preclinical medical students that uses simulation learning methodology to provide exposure to procedural specialties and enhance surgical skills. Despite the widespread adoption of similar bootcamps, evidence is lacking regarding their impact on students' decision to pursue surgical/procedural careers. This exploratory analysis consisted of a retrospective, cross-sectional assessment of SSTEP involving a survey examining engagement during clerkship rotations and career decision-making was sent to all SSTEP participants since the program's inception (n=184). In addition, publicly available data through the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS) were used to compare match data between all SSTEP participants who have participated in the CaRMS match (n=144) and students in corresponding years who did not participate in SSTEP (n=351). Seventy-four SSTEP participants (40.2%) responded to the survey. Of the respondents, the majority agreed or strongly agreed that SSTEP influenced participants to engage in more procedural opportunities during clerkship (73%) and that they felt more confident performing procedural tasks during clerkship because of SSTEP (92%). Fifty percent of participants agreed that their anxiety decreased regarding clinical specialty decision. Thirty percent of participants indicated that SSTEP influenced them to pursue a procedural career. Examination of CaRMS data showed that 42% of SSTEP participants matched into direct-entry procedural specialties compared with 32% of non-SSTEP graduating medical students at our institution (P=0.048). Our analysis supports the utility of preclerkship surgical bootcamps. By providing early exposure to procedural skills, SSTEP promoted engagement with procedural skills during clerkship. Participation in SSTEP influenced student career choice, which may have contributed to the increased match rate into procedural specialties for SSTEP participants.

Changing Attitudes Toward Specialty Choice and the CaRMS Residency Match During COVID-19: A Cross-sectional Pilot Study of Canadian Medical Students

The Canadian residency match process has been dramatically restructured due to COVID-19. The impact of these changes on specialty choice and access to career-development opportunities among Canadian medical students remains largely unknown. The objective of this study was to assess whether students’ strategy and level of confidence entering the Canadian residency match have changed as a result of the pandemic. A 28-item online survey was distributed to Canadian medical students from the classes of 2021-2024, as well as the class of 2020 graduates planning to enter the 2021 CaRMS (Canadian Resident Matching Service) match. The survey was developed based on existing literature and included questions on demographics, access to educational opportunities, and personal strategies for matching. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, and Spearman’s correlations were used to analyze the data. Eleven percent of respondents reported a change in specialty preference due to COVID-19. Forty-three percent of respondents reported changing their strategy for the CaRMS match. Respondents interested in a surgical specialty were more likely to report a change in their match strategy (p = .0150), including applying to more programs (p = .0012) and exploring other specialties (p = .0118). Clerks were also more likely to report a change in their matching strategy (p = .0195) and specialty choice (p = .0194) compared to pre-clerks. Medical students felt that COVID-19 negatively impacted their ability to access scholarly opportunities and confidence regarding the match, which may have long-term implications for trainee well-being, residency match logistics, and long-term physician resource planning. ©CIKD Publishing

A week long \u201cpep\u201d talk \u2013 initial and 2\u20133-year longitudinal data on the Ottawa Psychiatry Enrichment Program (OPEP)

BackgroundRecruitment to psychiatry as a career has been challenging in Canada and abroad despite the known shortage and increasing burden of psychiatric issues globally. Deterrents to choosing psychiatry as a career include its negative stigma and paucity of knowledge about the field. The study goal was to evaluate the Ottawa Psychiatry Enrichment Program (OPEP), a one-week extracurricular program about psychiatry as a career for 1st and 2nd year medical students. We hypothesized OPEP would improve students’ attitudes towards psychiatry, and positive changes would be sustained 2–3 years later following their residency match. We hypothesized there would be a high recruitment of OPEP attendees to psychiatry programs.Methods1st and 2nd year medical students from Canada applied to OPEP. Attendees completed the Attitudes Towards Psychiatry Questionnaire (ATP-30) at three times: before OPEP (PreOPEP), after OPEP (PostOPEP) and after their Canadian Residency Matching Service (CaRMs) match 2–3 years later. OPEP ATP-30 scores were compared to third-year student ATP-30 scores before and after their psychiatry rotation. Data were analysed using Friedman non-parametric ANOVA and post hoc testing by either Wilcoxon rank sum test, Wilcoxon matched pairs signed rank test, or parametric Welch independent t-test as appropriate. Effect sizes of group mean differences were calculated using Cohen’s “d”.ResultsBetween 2017–2018, 29/53 Canadian applicants were selected for OPEP. 100%, 93.1% and 75.8% of OPEP students completed the PreOPEP, PostOPEP, and CaRMs ATP-30 surveys respectively. 43% of OPEP attendees matched to psychiatry. PostOPEP ATP-30 scores (mean = 133, median = 137, SD = 10.6) were significantly higher than PreOPEP ATP-30 (mean score = 121, median = 122, SD = 9.3, p < 0.001) and CaRMS ATP-30 (mean = 126, median = 127, SD = 12.3, p < 0.02) scores. OPEP effect size on ATP-30 scores was large (d = 1.2) but decreased 2–3 years later (p = 0.078, d = 0.44). 97/202 students completed the ATP-30 before and after their psychiatry rotation (clerkship). Clerkship effect size on improvement in ATP-30 was moderate (d = 0.39). There was a non-significant difference between OPEP CaRMS ATP-30 and post clerkship ATP-30 scores (median 127 vs 121, p = 0.056).ConclusionsOPEP ameliorated attitudes toward Psychiatry, but improvement deteriorated longitudinally. Strategies for program design, and innovations to boost/retain improvements during clerkship years are discussed.

Sticky Floor, Broken Ladder, and Glass Ceiling in Academic Obstetrics and Gynecology in the United States and Canada.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the gender proportion in academic obstetrics and gynecology faculty across the United States and Canada and further assess any gender differences in academic ranks, leadership positions, and research productivity.MethodsObstetrics and gynecology programs were searched from the Fellowship and Residency Electronic Interactive Database (FREIDA) (n=145) and the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS) (n=13) to compile a database of gender and academic profiles of faculty physicians with Medical Doctorate (MD) or Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degrees. Elsevier's Scopus was used to gather individual research metrics for analysis, and the data were analyzed using Strata v14.2 (StataCorp. 2015. Stata Statistical Software: Release 14. College Station, TX: StataCorp LP).ResultsAmong 3556 American and 689 Canadian Obstetrics and Gynaecology physicians, women comprised 60.9% and 61.4%, respectively. Among physicians with professorships, women physicians comprised 36.2% and 35.8% in the United States and Canada, respectively. When examining the gender proportion of physicians in leadership roles, women comprised 52.2% and 56.1% in the United States and Canada, respectively. The h-index between men and women physicians showed a significant difference overall in both the United States (p<0.001) and Canada (p<0.001), indicating that men have higher academic output.ConclusionAlthough the overall proportion of women academic staff physicians in Obstetrics and Gynaecology is higher than the proportion of men, there are more men who had a full professor rank. Men also had higher academic productivity.

Resident Match During the COVID Pandemic: How Have Neurology Programs Adapted? - A Survey.

We aimed to evaluate the perceived effectiveness of interventions implemented by Canadian neurology residency programs for the 2020-2021 iteration of the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS). A cross-sectional survey was distributed to Canadian neurology residency programs and final-year Canadian medical students who applied to at least one neurology program during the 2020-2021 match cycle. The surveys evaluated pre-interview and interview period interventions implemented by Canadian neurology residency programs and accessed by medical students. Thirty-five medical students and 13 out of 15 institutions in Canada with neurology residency programs responded to the survey. Multiple adaptations were implemented, including social media advertisement, web-based platforms, pre-interview information sessions, and teaching sessions, with all surveyed programs implementing at least two virtual interventions. We found that all interventions were perceived as adequate by a majority (>60%) of medical students, with pre-interview period virtual information sessions perceived as effective by the largest proportion of respondents. All Canadian neurology residency programs held virtual interviews for the 2020-2021 cycle, and most programs utilized the same interview structure as prior years. There was discordance between residency program stakeholders and medical students on the most helpful interview period modality. Medical students found the hospital tours and information sessions most valuable, whereas program stakeholders perceived the virtual socials and interviews as most helpful. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to innovative adaptations implemented by Canadian neurology residency programs, which were seen as effective by both medical students and program stakeholders.

Matching to urology during the COVID-19 pandemic and with the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada electives diversification policy: Survey of the 2021 urology Canadian Residency Matching Service applicants.

Matching to urology during the COVID-19 pandemic and with the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada electives diversification policy: Survey of the 2021 urology Canadian Residency Matching Service applicants.

Commentary and Opinions: The Utilization of Social Media by Medical Residency Programs During COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond

As a result of COVID-19 pandemic, medical training has been greatly impacted globally. In Canada, out-of-province visiting clinical electives were cancelled. In addition, the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS) interviews were transitioned to being virtual since 2020. As residency programs are exploring new ways to overcome the challenges of elective cancellation, there has been a surge of residency program social media accounts on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Social media serves as a platform for residency programs to promote themselves in addition to posting interactive educational materials. Moreover, social media residency accounts provide a platform for medical students to learn about the programs and network virtually with fellow applicants, residents, program directors, and faculty members. Overall, social media is becoming a popular and valuable tool for residency programs to connect with the applicants during COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Among the different social media platforms, Instagram seems to be more appealing to both residency programs and the graduating medical students. We report our observations regarding selected Canadian residency program Instagram accounts. To maximize the success of using social media, it is important for the residency programs to consider the attitudes of applicants towards the residency social media accounts. Future studies are needed to assess the effectiveness of the Canadian residency program social media accounts for the final year students applying for these programs.