Dataset Information

Selection criteria and match results for postgraduate residency programs: A cross-sectional model from a major academic center in Jordan.

ABSTRACT: Background:With the continuous uptrend in the number of medical student graduates and the limited availability of postgraduate residency positions, the process of selecting the most appropriately qualified candidates to fill these positions remains challenging. This necessitates implementing objectively measured, distinguishing, and transparent selection process. The purpose of this study is to share our model of single-center resident selection for postgraduate residency programs to serve as a guide for other institutions. Materials and methods:We reviewed the process of residency program selection at our institution. Data were collected about the application process, demographic characteristics, medical school location and GPA, entry exam score, requested specialties, and match results. The proposed selection criteria and their association with the match results were reported. Factors associated with matching with the first two selections were analyzed. Results:785 physicians applied to fill 96 positions at nineteen residency programs. 443 (56%) were males, 686 (87%) graduated from Jordanian medical schools. Half failed the entry exam and were excluded from competition. Seventy-two out of 96 (75%) matched with either of their first two requested specialties. The highest-in-demand programs were ophthalmology, otolaryngology and dermatology. Although a GPA of more than 80% increased the likelihood of matching with the top two requested specialties, an entry exam score of more than 70% was the main determining factor (AOR 8.7, 95% C.I. 2.4, 31.9). Conclusions:The selection process for postgraduate residency programs is highly competitive. To avoid selection bias, transparent and objectively measured criteria are applied in the selection model. Clinical performance and medical knowledge reflected by the cumulative GPA and entry exam score are the most significant determinants for acceptance.

SUBMITTER: Khasawneh W

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7647935 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Publications

Selection criteria and match results for postgraduate residency programs: A cross-sectional model from a major academic center in Jordan.

Khasawneh Wasim W Obeidat Nail N Albiss Borhan B El-Salem Khalid K

Annals of medicine and surgery (2012) 20201007

<h4>Background</h4>With the continuous uptrend in the number of medical student graduates and the limited availability of postgraduate residency positions, the process of selecting the most appropriately qualified candidates to fill these positions remains challenging. This necessitates implementing objectively measured, distinguishing, and transparent selection process. The purpose of this study is to share our model of single-center resident selection for postgraduate residency programs to ser ...[more]

PMID: 33204413

Similar Datasets

Project description:BackgroundThis study aims to investigate the admission criteria used by physician assistant postgraduate education programs in selecting licensed PA applicants for postgraduate training in the United States. To our knowledge, there have been no previously published reports on selection criteria and/or other factors influencing postgraduate PA admission decisions.MethodA non-experimental, descriptive research study was designed to obtain information from members of the Association of Postgraduate Physician Assistant Programs (APPAP).ResultsTwenty-three out of 73 postgraduate programs (35%) responded to the survey. The study reported that applicant PAs and NPs are largely selected on the basis of several factors. The most heavily weighted factor is the interview itself; other selection criteria perceived to be extremely/very important included board certification/eligibility, letters of recommendation, advanced degree, and personal essay. Survey data suggest that publications, undergraduate transcripts, and class rankings are not considered to be of high importance in applicant selection. The number of PA applicants applying to each postgraduate training program averages around 26 and total number of enrollees is about 3.6 per program. Additionally, some programs reported furloughing of trainees (temporary suspension of didactic and clinical training) during the pandemic, whereas the vast majority of postgraduate PA programs remained operational and some even experienced an increase in application volume. The total cost of training a PA resident or fellow in postgraduate programs is currently $93,000 whereas the average cost of training a categorical physician resident is estimated at $150,000 per year when considering both salary and benefits.ConclusionsThis novel study examined criteria and other factors used by postgraduate PA programs in selecting candidates for admission. Results can be used by postgraduate programs to improve or modify current selection criteria to enhance the quality of trainee selection. Further research is needed to examine correlations between applicant attributes, selection criteria, and trainee success in completing postgraduate training.

Project description:IntroductionThe development of postgraduate programs for physician assistants (PAs) began in 1973 and by 2020 there were approximately 72 programs spread across a broad range of medical and surgical disciplines. PA Post-graduate education programs are voluntary and available to American licensed PAs. Therefore, an assessment of the characteristics of PA post-graduate fellowships and residencies programs was initiated.MethodA non-experimental, descriptive research study was designed to obtain information on the characteristics of PA postgraduate education programs in the US. The source of information was from surveyed members of the Association of Postgraduate Physician Assistant Programs (APPAP). Questions were drawn from consensus discussions. Directors of postgraduate programs that were operational in 2020 were eligible to participate.ResultsSeventy-two postgraduate program directors were invited to the survey and 34 program directors replied. These programs are geographically distributed across the US in 13 states. The respondents represent a wide range of medicine: surgery, emergency medicine, critical care, orthopaedics, hospitalist, psychiatry, oncology, primary care, pediatrics, and cardiology. Most programs are associated with an academic medical center and some institutions have more than one postgraduate specialty track. The curriculum includes bedside teaching, lectures, mentorship, assigned reading, procedures, simulation, and conferences. An average program length is 12 months and awards a certificate. Stipends for PA fellows are $50,000-80,000 (2020 dollars) and benefits include paid time off, health and liability insurance. About half of the programs bill for the services rendered by the PA. Over 90% of graduates are employed within 2 months of completing a PA postgraduate training program.ConclusionA trend is underway in American medicine to include PAs in postgraduate education. PA postgraduate training occurs across a broad spectrum of medical and surgical areas, as well as diverse institutions and organizations overseeing these programs. Most PA postgraduate programs are in teaching hospitals where the PA resident or PA fellow also serves as a house officer alongside a categorical resident. This study sets the stage for more granular economic and social research on this growing phenomenon in American medicine.

Project description:Rationale and objectivesVirtual residency interviews have become crucial in maintaining CDC-recommended precautionary measures throughout the ongoing COVID-era. However, scant literature exists regarding the direct impact the pandemic has had on the radiology program selection process, including preferred modalities of residency interviews and social media utilization. This survey aimed to understand how radiology programs adapted to changes in the 2020-2021 virtual application cycle.Materials and methodsA 32-question survey was distributed to 194 residency programs between July and August of 2021. Data were analyzed primarily by using descriptive statistics and Paired Student's T-testing.ResultsA total of 31 programs completed the survey, yielding a response rate of 16%. When queried about the perceived success of virtual interviews during the 2020-2021 application cycle, 21 programs (68%) said the new interview format was very successful. Twenty-seven of the programs (87%) believed they were able to adequately gauge applicants through virtual interviews. However, when surveyed about personal preferences for interviews, the responses were more evenly distributed between virtual (11/31, 35%) and in-person (14/31, 45%). Pre-COVID, the top three criteria programs used to rank candidates were USMLE Step 1 score (20/31, 65%), letters of recommendation (17/31, 55%), and MSPE (12/31, 39%). Within the virtual, COVID-19 era, these criteria remained statistically unchanged (p = 0.22): USMLE Step 1 score (21/31, 68%), letters of recommendation (17/31, 55%), and MSPE (14/31, 45%). About half of programs who had not previously utilized social media (12 of 23, 52%) created accounts, mostly via Twitter or Instagram.ConclusionThe primary findings indicate that programs perceived success with virtually interviewing and ranking applicants, the criteria to rank applicants remain unchanged despite the virtual environment, and programs' social media utilization increased.

Project description:BackgroundMedical students often choose to pursue a career in radiation oncology with limited meaningful exposure to the field. We previously identified factors that were most influential to an applicant's rank list order. Here, we sought to assess if residency graduates had differing views regarding those factors. We also polled recent graduates' attitudes of the current job market.Methods and materialsAn anonymous, internet-based survey was developed and distributed to graduates of radiation oncology residencies from 2003 through 2006 and 2012 through 2015 to assess the importance of factors with regard to residency selection, training, and job securement and attitudes toward the job market within the United States.ResultsResponses were received from 198 of 848 (23%) of those invited to participate. The respondents were divided into 2 cohorts for analysis, an "early" cohort (2001-2009) and a "contemporary" cohort (2010-2016). Respondents recalled "quality of clinical training," "perceived happiness of residents," and "sense of community among faculty and residents" as the 3 most important factors influencing the rank list. Postresidency, the most valued factors of the residency experience were "quality of clinical training," "geographic location," and "faculty mentorship." Factors that were assigned the greatest differential value in hindsight to influence the rank list included "faculty mentorship," "willingness of faculty to call employer," and "quality of alumni base." Sixty-four percent of respondents reported the job market to be difficult or very difficult. This perception was more common among contemporary graduates (P < .05). Sixty percent of respondents reported "far too many" or "somewhat too many" residency positions for the actual job needs in the United States.ConclusionAfter training, residency graduates place higher value on factors in residency that can directly improve job procurement. This finding is more common among more recent graduates, potentially a result of the perception of a tightening job market with too many radiation oncologists in training.

Project description:ImportanceThe ophthalmology residency application process is critical for applicants and residency programs, and knowledge about the preferences of applicants would assist both groups in improving the process.ObjectiveTo evaluate the experiences and preferences of ophthalmology residency applicants.Design, setting, and participantsThis cross-sectional, nonvalidated survey was conducted online. All applicants to the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute ophthalmology residency program during the 2018-2019 application cycle were invited to complete the survey. Data collection occurred from April 1, 2019, to April 30, 2019.Main outcomes and measuresApplicant demographics, application submissions, interview experiences, financial considerations, match results, and suggestions for improvement of the application process.ResultsResponses were received from 185 applicants (36.4%), including 77 women (41.6%). A successful match into an ophthalmology residency was achieved by 172 respondents (93.0%). There was a mean (SD) US Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 score of 245.8 (13.3) points. Respondents applied to a mean (SD) of 76.4 (23.5) ophthalmology residency programs, received 14.0 (9.0) invitations to interview, and attended 10.3 (4.4) interviews. Choices regarding applications and interviews were based mostly on program reputation, location, and advisor recommendation. A usual lead time of at least 3 weeks between the invitation and interview was reported by 126 respondents (69.2%), which was reduced to 14 respondents (15.1%) when a wait-list was involved. The ophthalmology residency application process cost a mean (SD) of $5704 ($2831) per applicant. Respondents reported that they were most able to reduce costs through housing choices (hotel stays or similar arrangements) and least able to reduce costs by limiting the number of programs to which they applied or at which they interviewed.Conclusions and relevanceThe ophthalmology residency application process is complex and poses substantial challenges to applicants and residency programs. These findings suggest that many current applicants have difficulty selecting programs to apply to, and most respondents desired changes to the current system of interview invitations and scheduling.

Dataset Information

Selection criteria and match results for postgraduate residency programs: A cross-sectional model from a major academic center in Jordan.

Publications

Selection criteria and match results for postgraduate residency programs: A cross-sectional model from a major academic center in Jordan.

Similar Datasets

OmicsDI is part of the ELIXIR infrastructure

Tweets