scholarly journals Dermatology Residency Selection Criteria with an Emphasis on Program Characteristics: A National Program Director Survey

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Farzam Gorouhi ◽  
Ali Alikhan ◽  
Arash Rezaei ◽  
Nasim Fazel

Background. Dermatology residency programs are relatively diverse in their resident selection process. The authors investigated the importance of 25 dermatology residency selection criteria focusing on differences in program directors’ (PDs’) perception based on specific program demographics.Methods. This cross-sectional nationwide observational survey utilized a 41-item questionnaire that was developed by literature search, brainstorming sessions, and online expert reviews. The data were analyzed utilizing the reliability test, two-step clustering, andK-means methods as well as other methods. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in PDs’ perception regarding the importance of the selection criteria based on program demographics.Results. Ninety-five out of 114 PDs (83.3%) responded to the survey. The top five criteria for dermatology residency selection were interview, letters of recommendation, United States Medical Licensing Examination Step I scores, medical school transcripts, and clinical rotations. The following criteria were preferentially ranked based on different program characteristics: “advanced degrees,” “interest in academics,” “reputation of undergraduate and medical school,” “prior unsuccessful attempts to match,” and “number of publications.”Conclusions. Our survey provides up-to-date factual data on dermatology PDs’ perception in this regard. Dermatology residency programs may find the reported data useful in further optimizing their residency selection process.

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 2
Author(s):  
Kenric Ware ◽  
Jessica Johnson ◽  
Hannah Stroud

This commentary discusses the introduction of video vignettes (VVs) into the context of pharmacy residency application processes. An extension of the conversation around which items are requested of pharmacy candidates when applying to pharmacy residency programs is provided. In conjunction with other documents that provide insights into candidates’ abilities, video vignettes (VVs) are presented as viable considerations to gain additional perspective. Implications for time-saving and cost conservation by utilizing VVs are also in view. Hiring employees will presumably have the latitude to require the content of VVs to address aspects deemed more relevant to their institutional operating procedures. Foreseeable benefits and challenges to video vignette (VV) adoption are described within this setting. Counterpoints are presented in response to disadvantages to adoption that may surface. An example of a VV has been crafted to actualize sample components that may be feasible for future use. The challenges faced by healthcare facilities to filling pharmacy residency positions from a vast number of applicants remain pronounced. Creativity in the pharmacy residency selection process is often stifled by routinized methods of application review. Innovative models such as VVs could offer a refreshing alternative to candidates for showcasing individualities and perhaps afford evaluating bodies a unique resource for further candidate differentiation.   Type: Commentary


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 213-222
Author(s):  
Blair P. Golden ◽  
Bruce L. Henschen ◽  
David T. Liss ◽  
Sara L. Kiely ◽  
Aashish K. Didwania

ABSTRACT Background Residency programs apply varying criteria to the resident selection process. However, it is unclear which applicant characteristics reflect preparedness for residency. Objective We determined the applicant characteristics associated with first-year performance in internal medicine residency as assessed by performance on Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Milestones. Methods We examined the association between applicant characteristics and performance on ACGME Milestones during intern year for individuals entering Northwestern University's internal medicine residency between 2013 and 2018. We used bivariate analysis and a multivariable linear regression model to determine the association between individual factors and Milestone performance. Results Of 203 eligible residents, 198 (98%) were included in the final sample. One hundred fourteen residents (58%) were female, and 116 residents (59%) were White. Mean Step 1 and Step 2 CK scores were 245.5 (SD 12.0) and 258 (SD 10.8) respectively. Step 1 scores, Alpha Omega Alpha membership, medicine clerkship grades, and interview scores were not associated with Milestone performance in the bivariate analysis and were not included in the multivariable model. In the multivariable model, overall clerkship grades, ranking of the medical school, and year entering residency were significantly associated with Milestone performance (P ≤ .04). Conclusions Most traditional metrics used in residency selection were not associated with early performance on ACGME Milestones during internal medicine residency.


CJEM ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 829-835
Author(s):  
Michael K. P. Hale ◽  
Jason R. Frank ◽  
Warren J. Cheung

ABSTRACTObjectiveLittle is known about how the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) residency programs are selecting their residents. This creates uncertainty regarding alignment between current selection processes and known best practices. We seek to describe the current selection processes of Canadian RCEM programs.MethodsAn online survey was distributed to all RCEM program directors and assistant directors. The survey instrument included 22 questions and sought both qualitative and quantitative data from the following six domains: application file, letters of reference, elective selection, interview, rank order, and selection process evaluation.ResultsWe received responses from 13 of 14 programs for an aggregate response rate of 92.9%. A candidate's letters of reference were identified as the most important criterion from the paper application (38.5%). Having a high level of familiarity with the applicant was the most important characteristic of a reference letter author (46.2%). In determining rank order, 53.8% of programs weighed the interview more heavily than the paper application. Once final candidate scores are established following the interview stage, all program respondents indicated that further adjustment is made to the final rank order list. Only 1 of 13 program respondents reported ever having completed a formal evaluation of their selection process.ConclusionWe have identified elements of the selection process that will inform recommendations for programs, students, and referees. We encourage programs to conduct regular reviews of their selection process going forward to be in alignment with best practices.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ludmila Sandy Alves Moura ◽  
André Taumaturgo Cavalcanti Arruda ◽  
Mário Luciano de Melo Silva Júnior

Introduction: Neurology training involves practice in infirmaries and outpatient clinics in several subspecialties, as well as training in procedures and examinations. The analysis of Medical Residency Programs (MRPs) in Neurology in other countries is important to identify points of contrast and similarities as a way to keep the national training equivalent to other countries. Objectives: To analyze the duration and characteristics of the training of neurology physicians in Brazil and other countries. Methods: Cross-sectional study by active search on official web pages of governments and organizations/entities representing neurologists from 12 countries: Australia, Portugal, Italy, Greece, India, USA, Canada, Puerto Rico, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and Colombia. Information was obtained on the duration of medical school and residency, as well as the characteristics of this. Results: The duration of medical school was 4 to 7 years (median: 6; IIQ: 0.5). Duration in neurology was 3 to 6 years (median: 4; IIQ:1). Developed countries have a median duration of residency of 4.83 years ± 0.68 years, whereas in developing countries it was 3.66 ±0.47 years. Regarding access, 25% of the countries require a prerequisite. Regarding rotations, those present in most of the programs studied were: neurology outpatient clinic (100%), neuroradiology (83%), neuropediatrics (75%) clinical medicine (58%), psychiatry (58%). Conclusion: We identified differences in the standardization of PRM in Neurology among the countries studied. The duration of Brazilian residency is below the average of the other countries studied, but it includes the required rotations in developed countries.


2010 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 336-340 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sally A. Santen ◽  
Kevin R. Davis ◽  
Donald W. Brady ◽  
Robin R. Hemphill

Abstract Background Medical students rank residency programs as part of the selection process in the National Resident Matching Program, also known as the match. Applicants to medical residency positions are protected against discriminatory employment practices by federal employment laws. Objectives To explore students' recall of being asked potentially illegal or discriminatory questions during the selection interview, and whether these questions affected students' ranking of the programs in the match. Methods Fourth-year medical students from a single medical school were surveyed after the match. Students were questioned about their recall of the frequency of potentially illegal or discriminatory interview questions and their effect on the program's rank. Results Ninety percent of the 63 respondents in the study remember being asked at least one potentially discriminatory question. Among these, students were asked about their marital status (86%), about children (31%), about plans for pregnancy (10%), where they were born (54%) and/or about their national origin (15%), and about religious and ethical beliefs (24%). The majority of students did not think the questions changed their decision to rank the program, although the questions changed the way some students ranked the program, either lowering or raising the rank. Conclusion Nearly all students reported that they were asked at least one potentially discriminatory question, although these questions for the most part do not appear to affect whether they ranked the programs.


2012 ◽  
Vol 89 (1049) ◽  
pp. 126-130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carl I Schulman ◽  
Fernanda M Kuchkarian ◽  
Kelly F Withum ◽  
Felix S Boecker ◽  
Jill M Graygo

2021 ◽  
pp. 000348942110264
Author(s):  
Khodayar Goshtasbi ◽  
Kotaro Tsutsumi ◽  
Catherine Merna ◽  
Edward C. Kuan ◽  
Yarah M. Haidar ◽  
...  

Objective: To elucidate the associations between geographic locations, rankings, and size/funding of medical schools and residency programs among the current otolaryngology residents. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study queried otolaryngology residency program websites for relevant publicly accessible information. Location was categorized as Midwest, Northeast, South, and West. Ranking was according to Doximity (residency) and US News and World Report (medical school). Medical school and residency programs were labeled large if they had >704 students or >15 residents, respectively. Results: A total of 1413 residents from 98 (89%) otolaryngology residency programs were included. Residents attending their home medical schools (18%) were equally distributed among regions ( P = .845). Residents who attended medical schools in the same US regions (54%) were more likely from top-25 ( P = .001) or private ( P < .001) medical schools. Southern residents were most likely (64%) and Western residents were least likely (39%) from regional medical schools ( P < .001), while residents from Midwest and Northeast had similar rates (54%-55%). The percentage of Midwest residents coming from regional medical schools has decreased from the 2013 to 2014 residency cycle ( P = .037). Completing undergraduate school, medical school, and residency in the same region (38%) was also highest in the South (45%) and lowest in the West (25%) ( P < .001). Residents at top-ranked residency programs were more likely from top-ranked ( P < .001), large ( P = .025), and private ( P = .018) medical schools. Conclusion: There exist significant associations between otolaryngology residents’ medical school location, ranking, size, and funding source and their residency destination. More than half of the current otolaryngology residents attended medical school in the same geographic region, and about one-fifth have attended medical school and residency at the same institution. Future studies are warranted to evaluate how these results change as the match process evolves in the future. Level of Evidence: N/A.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 566-570
Author(s):  
Chelsea Towaij ◽  
Isabelle Raîche ◽  
Julia Younan ◽  
Nada Gawad

ABSTRACT Background The resident selection process involves the analysis of multiple data points, including letters of reference (LORs), which are inherently subjective in nature. Objective We assessed the frequency with which LORs use quantitative terms to describe applicants and to assess whether the use of these terms reflects the ranking of trainees in the final selection process. Methods A descriptive study analyzing LORs submitted by Canadian medical graduate applicants to the University of Ottawa General Surgery Program in 2019 was completed. We collected demographic information about applicants and referees and recorded the use of preidentified quantitative descriptors (eg, best, above average). A 10% audit of the data was performed. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the demographics of our letters as well as the frequency of use of the quantitative descriptors. Results Three hundred forty-three LORs for 114 applicants were analyzed. Eighty-five percent (291 of 343) of LORs used quantitative descriptors. Eighty-four percent (95 of 113) of applicants were described as above average, and 45% (51 of 113) were described as the “best” by at least 1 letter. The candidates described as the “best” ranked anywhere from second to 108th in our ranking system. Conclusions Most LORs use quantitative descriptors. These terms are generally positive, and while the use does discriminate between different applicants, it was not helpful in the context of ranking applicants in our file review process.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 696-704
Author(s):  
John C. Burkhardt ◽  
Kendra P. Parekh ◽  
Fiona E. Gallahue ◽  
Kory S. London ◽  
Mary A. Edens ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Background Emergency medicine (EM) residency programs want to employ a selection process that will rank best possible applicants for admission into the specialty. Objective We tested if application data are associated with resident performance using EM milestone assessments. We hypothesized that a weak correlation would exist between some selection factors and milestone outcomes. Methods Utilizing data from 5 collaborating residency programs, a secondary analysis was performed on residents trained from 2013 to 2018. Factors in the model were gender, underrepresented in medicine status, United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 and 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK), Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA), grades (EM, medicine, surgery, pediatrics), advanced degree, Standardized Letter of Evaluation global assessment, rank list position, and controls for year assessed and program. The primary outcomes were milestone level achieved in the core competencies. Multivariate linear regression models were fitted for each of the 23 competencies with comparisons made between each model's results. Results For the most part, academic performance in medical school (Step 1, 2 CK, grades, AOA) was not associated with residency clinical performance on milestones. Isolated correlations were found between specific milestones (eg, higher surgical grade increased wound care score), but most had no correlation with residency performance. Conclusions Our study did not find consistent, meaningful correlations between the most common selection factors and milestones at any point in training. This may indicate our current selection process cannot consistently identify the medical students who are most likely to be high performers as residents.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document