scholarly journals Emergency Medicine Standardized Letter of Evaluation (SLOE): Findings From the New Electronic SLOE Format

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 182-186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer S. Jackson ◽  
Michael Bond ◽  
Jeffrey N. Love ◽  
Cullen Hegarty

ABSTRACT Background  Emergency medicine (EM) uses a standardized template for residency application letters of recommendations. In 1997, the Standardized Letter of Recommendation was developed with categories for applicant comparison. Now named the Standardized Letter of Evaluation (SLOE), it is a universal requirement in the EM residency application process. In 2016, a website called “eSLOE” was launched for credentialed academic EM faculty to enter applicant data, which generates a SLOE. Objective  This article outlines website creation for the eSLOE and its successful national implementation in the 2016–2017 EM residency application cycle. We analyzed current trends in applicant assessments from the eSLOE data and compared them to prior data. Methods  Data from 2016–2017 were sorted and analyzed for each question on the eSLOE. An analysis of Global Assessment and Qualifications for EM rankings, clerkship grade, and comparison with prior SLOE data was performed. Results  Analysis of 6715 eSLOEs for 3138 unique applicants revealed the following Global Assessment rankings: top 10%, top one-third, middle one-third, and lower one-third. There was less spread with the distribution for clerkship grade and Qualifications for EM. The 2011–2012 standard letter of recommendation global assessment data, with top 10%, top one-third, middle one-third, and lower one-third, also revealed top-clustered results with less spread compared with the ranking usage in 2016–2017. Conclusions  Results indicate an improved spread of all rank categories for Global Assessment, enhancing the eSLOE's applicant discrimination. There has been an overall improvement in rank designation when compared with previously published data.

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexis Pelletier-Bui ◽  
Doug Franzen ◽  
Liza Smith ◽  
Laura Hopson ◽  
Lucienne Lutfy-Clayton ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 238212052098048
Author(s):  
Joseph A Hansroth ◽  
Kristin H Davis ◽  
Kimberly D Quedado ◽  
Stephen M Davis ◽  
Autumn S Kiefer ◽  
...  

Objective: Emergency medicine program directors (PD) value the standardized letter of evaluation (SLOE) as the most important aspect of a residency application when making both invitation and ranking decisions. This study aims to determine whether the presence of any lower-third in either SLOE global assessment (GA) question impacted the ability of an applicant to match into EM. We hypothesized that any lower-third ranking would be associated with increased odds of not matching into EM. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study evaluating allopathic applicants from medical schools in the United States (US allopathic applicants) to a single EM residency program during the 2018/2019 match cycles. GA SLOE rankings from all applications were tabulated and compared to the applicant’s National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) match outcome. Comparative analyses were conducted between SLOE groupings and odds ratios (OR) were calculated. Results: A total of 2,017 SLOEs from 781 US allopathic applicants were analyzed during the study period. Of the total, 277 (35%) applicants in our sample had any lower-third GA ranking, which significantly decreased an applicant’s odds of matching in EM by 79% (OR 0.21, 95% CI, 0.12-0.34). Having more than one lower-third GA ranking did not further statistically decrease the odds of a successful EM match (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.31-1.17). As a secondary finding of the study, results demonstrate that those applicants having no lower-third GA rankings had a nearly 5 times increased odds of an EM match (OR 4.84, 95% CI, 2.91-8.03). Conclusion: Having any lower-third GA ranking significantly reduced an applicant’s chances of matching into an EM program. Faculty advisors should be aware of the increased risk of not matching for any applicant with any lower-third GA ranking and advise students appropriately, while maintaining the integrity of the SLOE and not divulging the confidential information contained within.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (01) ◽  
pp. e73-e77
Author(s):  
Benjamin Steren ◽  
Ankur Parikh ◽  
Bilal Ahmed ◽  
Benjamin Young ◽  
Jayanth Sridhar ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a profound impact on medical education, particularly for those applying to residency programs in 2020 to 2021. This study describes the challenges for potential ophthalmology residency applicants so that residency leadership can make informed decisions about changes to the process. Methods A survey was distributed electronically via social media and medical school ophthalmology interest groups from June 18, 2020 to July 2, 2020 to individuals interested in applying to ophthalmology residency in the United States. Survey questions included demographics and perceived impacts of COVID-19 on ability, confidence, intention to apply, and perceptions toward changes in the application process for the 2020 to 2021 ophthalmology residency application cycle. Results One-hundred sixteen total responses were received. Eighty-six responses (74%) were from individuals intending to apply in the 2020 to 2021 application cycle. Most respondents (86%) felt that their application would be affected by COVID-19 with 51% feeling less confident. Only four (5%) felt that they could adequately compile a rank list following a video interview, and over half (51%) anticipated applying to more programs than they originally intended. Academic plans of seven (8%) respondents were significantly altered via deferral of application or cancellation of a research year. Thirty-nine (45%) students reported delayed ophthalmology electives, with less than half (41%) feeling that they had adequate clinical exposure to be prepared for residency. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic has had a substantial impact on the 2020 to 2021 ophthalmology residency application cycle. As stakeholders begin to approach this cycle, these findings will help them make effective and informed decisions to create the best overall experience for all involved.


2021 ◽  
pp. 000348942098797
Author(s):  
Shadi Ahmadmehrabi ◽  
Deborah X. Xie ◽  
Bryan K. Ward ◽  
Paul C. Bryson ◽  
Patrick Byrne

Objectives: In addition to clinical and social disruption, the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected many aspects of the otolaryngology residency application process. With delays in the 2021 Electronic Residency Applications Service (ERAS) timeline, students and programs have had more time to interact prior to the formal application process. This communication will report recent trends in social media presence by OHNS residency programs, and discuss mechanisms to compensate for decreased applicant-program interactions using social media ahead of the 2021 Match. Methods: In a cross-sectional study of the accredited otolaryngology residency programs in the United States, the number of social media profiles on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook from 2009 to 2019 were recorded and compared. Results: Most programs (61%) have at least 1 social media profile. Over the past 10 years, the number of programs on social media has increased. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Twitter and Instagram showed higher rates of growth compared to Facebook. With the reduction of in-person opportunities for interactions, both applicants and programs are utilizing social media to showcase their values and their research. Twitter, in particular, also serves as a platform for professional networking. Conclusion: Both Twitter and Instagram are growing in popularity among programs and applicants to enhance networking. Social media is a powerful tool for networking and may help compensate for limitations imposed on the residency match process by the COVID-19 pandemic while maintaining professionalism considerations. The impact of social media on the 2021 otolaryngology residency match is an evolving phenomenon.


2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabrielle A. Jacquet ◽  
Jamil D. Bayram ◽  
William B. Ewen ◽  
Bhakti Hansoti ◽  
Steven Andescavage ◽  
...  

Background. There are currently 34 International Emergency Medicine (IEM) fellowship programs. Applicants and programs are increasing in number and diversity. Without a standardized application, applicants have a difficulty approaching programs in an informed and an organized method; a streamlined application system is necessary.Objectives. To measure fellows’ knowledge of their programs’ curricula prior to starting fellowship and to determine what percent of fellows and program directors would support a universal application system.Methods. A focus group of program directors, recent, and current fellows convened to determine the most important features of an IEM fellowship application process. A survey was administered electronically to a convenience sample of 78 participants from 34 programs. Respondents included fellowship directors, fellows, and recent graduates.Results. Most fellows (70%) did not know their program’s curriculum prior to starting fellowship. The majority of program directors and fellows support a uniform application service (81% and 67%, resp.) and deadline (85% for both). A minority of program directors (35%) and fellows (30%) support a formal match.Conclusions. Program directors and fellows support a uniform application service and deadline, but not a formalized match. Forums for disseminating IEM fellowship information and for administering a uniform application service and deadline are currently in development to improve the process.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 215145932095172 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle A. Richardson ◽  
Wasif Islam ◽  
Matthew Magruder

Introduction: The world-wide lockdown caused by Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has upended the trajectories of lives everywhere. The medical profession has been on the front lines of this rapidly developing situation, which in turn has called for unprecedented changes in the medical school curriculum. These changes have severe implications for medical students interested in applying to competitive surgical specialties like orthopedics. Methods: As medical students in 3 different class years pursuing orthopedic surgery, we provide our perspectives on the impact that COVID-19 has had on medical student orthopedic education. Results: With the removal of away rotations and a shift to virtual interviews, rising fourth year medical students are arguably the most impacted as they prepare for the orthopedic residency application process. Third year students, who are in the exploratory phase of choosing a specialty, also face uncertainties in the shift to a “new” clerkship experience that may (1) be of shorter duration, (2) implement shifts to limit overcrowding of clinical space, and (3) increase the use of telehealth over direct patient contact. Discussion: The COVID-19 pandemic has altered the course of medical students’ orthopedic education in unprecedented ways. We believe the following suggestions may be helpful for students seeking alternative, supplemental ways of learning: (1) read up on major orthopedic journals, (2) reach out to orthopedic surgeons in areas of interest, (3) reach out to program directors/medical clerkship directors/program coordinators for opportunities to attend their educational curriculum virtually, (4) attend online lectures and hospital grand rounds, and (5) practice suturing technique with a practice kit. Conclusions: While the medical education landscape remains uncertain amid the evolving conditions of COVID-19, as medical students we strive to learn from this pandemic and respond to future unforeseen challenges with resilience, dedication, and compassion: all qualities we admire in orthopedic surgeons.


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