The effect of COVID-19-related changes on geographical outcomes in the 2021 dermatology residency match.
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Mulligan KM
PROVIDER: S-EPMC8653266 | biostudies-literature |
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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Project description:BackgroundDespite unprecedented changes to undergraduate medical education and the residency selection process during the COVID-19 pandemic, there is little objective evidence on how the pandemic affected match outcomes such as matched applicant characteristics, interview distribution, geographic clustering, and associated costs. We investigated COVID-19's impact on the residency match by comparing surgery applicants' characteristics, interview distribution, and related costs from 2018 to 2020 to 2021.MethodsData from the Texas Seeking Transparency in Applications to Residency initiative were analyzed. Descriptive statistics, bivariate testing, and sensitivity analysis were performed to compare matched applicants in surgical specialties from 2018-2020 to 2021.ResultsThis study included 5,258 applicants who matched into 10 surgical specialties from 2018 to 2021. In 2021, there was a decrease in proportion of students who reported a geographic connection to their matched program (38.4% vs 42.1%; P = .021) and no significant difference in number of interviews attended (mean [SD], 13.1 [6.2] vs 13.3 [4.7]; P = .136) compared to prior years. Applicants in 2021 had more research experiences and fewer honored clerkships (both P < .001), and these associations persisted in sensitivity analysis. Matched applicants in 2021 reported significantly lower total costs associated with the residency application process compared to 2018 to 2020 (mean [SD] $1,959 [1,275] vs $6,756 [4,081]; P < .001).ConclusionAlthough COVID-19 appeared to result in a reduction in number of honored clerkships, it may have provided more opportunities for students to engage in research. Overall, the adoption of virtual interviews and away rotations may have successfully mitigated some of the adverse consequences of the pandemic on the residency match for surgical specialties.
| S-EPMC8648584 | biostudies-literature
Project description:PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic modified the Residency Match process for fourth-year medical students. In-person away rotations were discouraged, interviews were virtual, and traditional factors used to rank programs were absent. Here, we compare survey results administered to both the 2020 and 2021 Match applicants to assess the influence of the pandemic on the radiation oncology (RO) Match process.MethodsAn institutional review board-approved prospective cross-sectional study was conducted. The 2020 and 2021 RO Match applicants at a large RO program were invited to participate. Descriptive summary statistics were assessed.ResultsThe 2020 and 2021 Matches each had 76 applicants complete the survey with response rates of 54% and 57%, respectively. The 2 groups were predominantly white, cisgender male, single, and without children. Whereas 11% of 2020 applicants did not complete away rotations, 45% of 2021 applicants did not. For 2021 Match applicants, 65% of away rotations were performed virtually, whereas 51% were not for medical school credit. Of the applicants, 84% were satisfied with virtual interviews and 72% felt cost savings were worth not having in-person interviews. Whereas 49% of Match 2020 applicants spent >$5000 in interview costs, 0% of the Match 2021 applicants did so, with 45% spending <$100. Postinterview communications from programs increased during the pandemic from 36% to 42% in 2020 Match and 2021 Match, respectively. Although program culture was the most common factor influencing 2021 Match applicants program rankings, half of applicants did not gain a sense of program culture during virtual interviews.ConclusionsWe found 2021 Match applicants completed fewer away rotations, were satisfied with virtual interviews/reduced costs, and did not gain a sense of program culture through virtual rotations/interviews despite it being the most important ranking factor reported. This study supports further exploration of virtual away rotations and virtual interviews moving forward beyond the pandemic.
| S-EPMC8555343 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectiveTo determine the impact coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) will have on the 2020-2021 otolaryngology (OTO-HNS) resident application cycle.MethodsA cross-sectional survey targeting OTO-HNS program directors (PD) was created and disseminated via email to PDs on May 28th 2020. Descriptive analyses of the 19-question survey was performed, and free text responses for certain suitable questions were thematically categorized into groups determined to be relevant during analysis.ResultsTwenty-nine of 123 solicited PDs (23.6%) completed the survey. Nineteen (65.5%) respondents indicated they would not host away rotations (AR) in 2020, and 9 (31.0%) reported that they would consider away rotators without home programs. Regarding the historical importance of AR, 21 (72.4%) PDs stated they were either "extremely" or "very" important in evaluating candidates. Sixteen (55.2%) PDs stated that virtual interviews would impact their ability to properly gauge candidates and 12 (41.4%) were unsure. Eight PDs (27.6%) stated their evaluation of candidates will likely change, with a shift toward an increased reliance on letters of recommendation, research involvement, and clerkship grades. The large majority of PDs-25 (86.2%)-were not worried that the COVID-19 pandemic would affect the abilities of new interns beginning in 2021.ConclusionVirtual interviews and engagement activities will mostly supplant sub-Is and AR for the 2020-2021 OTO-HNS application cycle. Surveyed PDs largely believe these will be insufficient in providing a comprehensive assessment of candidates, and will similarly limit applicants' ability to gauge residency programs. Criteria utilized to evaluate students is expected to change.
| S-EPMC8685750 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a new coronavirus responsible for the pandemic named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The disease causes SARS with a significant morbidity and mortality. We provide a review with a focus on COVID-19 in dermatology. We discuss triage of suspected infectious patients, protection of medical doctors and nurses. We discuss the available data on cutaneous symptoms, although disease-specific symptoms have yet not been observed. COVID-19 is a challenge for the treatment of dermatologic patients, either with severe inflammatory disorders or with skin cancer. The consequences for systemic treatment are obvious but it will be most important to collect the clinical data for a better decision process. Last but not least, education in dermatology for students will not be temporarily possible in the classical settings. COVID-19, although not a skin disease, by itself has an immense impact on dermatology.
| S-EPMC7235502 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundGeriatric patients account for a growing proportion of dermatology clinic visits. Although their biopsychosocial needs differ from those of younger adults, there are no geriatrics training requirements for dermatology residency programs.ObjectiveThis study explored the state of geriatrics education in dermatology programs in 2016.MethodsThis constructivist study employed cross-sectional, mixed-methods analysis with triangulation of semistructured interviews, surveys, and commonly used curricular materials. We used purposive sampling of 5 US academic allopathic dermatology programs of different sizes, geographic locations, and institutional resources. Participants were interviewed about informal curricula, barriers, and suggestions for improving geriatrics education, and they also completed a survey about the geriatrics topics that should be taught. The constant comparative method with grounded theory was used for qualitative analysis. We identified formal geriatrics curricular content by electronically searching and counting relevant key texts.ResultsFourteen of 17 participants (82%) agreed to be interviewed, and 10 of 14 (71%) responded to the survey. Themes of what should be taught included diagnosing and managing skin diseases common in older adults, holistic treatment, cosmetic dermatology, benign skin aging, and the basic science of aging. Topics currently covered that could be expanded included communication, systems-based challenges, ethical issues, safe prescribing, quality improvement, and elder abuse. Cosmetic dermatology was the most commonly taught formal geriatrics curricular topic.ConclusionsThere were discrepancies among topics participants felt were important to teach about geriatric dermatology and curricular coverage of these areas. We identified challenges for expanding geriatrics curricula and potential solutions.
| S-EPMC6314366 | biostudies-literature
Project description:The COVID-19 outbreak, in a few weeks, overloaded Italian hospitals, and the majority of medical procedures were postponed. During the pandemic, with hospital reorganization, clinical and learning activities performed by residents suffered a forced remodulation. The objective of this study is to investigate how urology training in Italy has been affected during the COVID-19 era. In this multi-academic study, we compared residents' training during the highest outbreak level with their previous activity. Overall 387 (67.1%) of the 577 Italian Urology residents participated in a 72-h anonymous online survey with 36 items sent via email. The main outcomes were clinical/surgical activities, social distancing, distance learning, and telemedicine. Clinical and learning activity was significantly reduced for the overall group, and after categorizing residents as those working only in COVID hospitals, both "junior" and "senior" residents, and those working in any of three geographical areas created (Italian regions were clustered in three major zones according to the prevalence of COVID-19). A significant decrease in outpatient activity, invasive diagnostic procedures, and endoscopic and major surgeries was reported. Through multivariate analysis, the specific year of residency has been found to be an independent predictor for all response modification. Being in zone 3 and zone 2 and having "senior" resident status were independent predictors associated with a lower reduction of the clinical and learning activity. Working in a COVID hospital and having "senior" resident status were independent predictors associated with higher reduction of the outpatient activity. Working in zone 3 and having "senior" resident status were independent predictors of lower and higher outpatient surgical activity, respectively. Working in a COVID hospital was an independent predictor associated with robotic surgical activity. The majority of residents reported that distance teaching and multidisciplinary virtual meetings are still not used, and 44.8% reported that their relationships with colleagues decreased. The COVID-19 pandemic presents an unprecedented challenge, including changes in the training and education of urology residents. The COVID era can offer an opportunity to balance and implement innovative solutions that can bridge the educational gap and can be part of future urology training.
| S-EPMC7732553 | biostudies-literature
Project description:The transition from internship to residency is a critical period for trainees. This study investigated factors that influence the transition of residents from postgraduate year 1 (PGY-1) to dermatology residency. In June 2019, a program director-specific survey and a resident-oriented survey were administered via Survey Monkey. An email containing survey hyperlinks was sent via the Association of Professors of Dermatology Listserv to program directors, who were asked to forward the email to their current trainees. A total of 44 dermatology residents and 33 program directors responded. More than 58% of program directors identified a preliminary year in internal medicine as most beneficial. Both residents and program directors indicated rheumatology, infectious disease, and allergy and immunology as the most relevant PGY-1 electives. Eighty-two percent of program directors expected <1 h/week or no independent preparation for dermatology residency during PGY-1. The stress of incoming residents as perceived by program directors was significantly less than the self-reported stress of residents during their transition to dermatology residency (Mann-Whitney U, two-sided, P = 0.011).
| S-EPMC7785141 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Background/objectiveIn spring 2020, high numbers of children presented with acral pernio-like skin rashes, concurrent with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Understanding their clinical characteristics/ infection status may provide prognostic information and facilitate decisions about management.MethodsA pediatric-specific dermatology registry was created by the Pediatric Dermatology COVID-19 Response Task Force of the Society for Pediatric Dermatology (SPD) and Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance (PeDRA) and was managed by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia using REDCap.ResultsData from 378 children 0-18 years entered into the registry between April 13 and July 17, 2020 were analyzed. Data were drawn from a standardized questionnaire completed by clinicians which asked for demographics, description of acral lesions, symptoms before and after acral changes, COVID-19 positive contacts, treatment, duration of skin changes, laboratory testing including SARS-CoV-2 PCR and antibody testing, as well as histopathology. 229 (60.6%) were male with mean age of 13.0 years (± 3.6 years). Six (1.6%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Pedal lesions (often with pruritus and/or pain) were present in 96%. 30% (114/378) had COVID-19 symptoms during the 30 days prior to presentation. Most (69%) had no other symptoms and an uneventful course with complete recovery.Conclusions and relevanceChildren with acral pernio-like changes were healthy and all recovered with no short-term sequelae. We believe these acral changes are not just a temporal epiphenomenon of shelter in place during the spring months of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and may be a late phase reaction that needs further study.
| S-EPMC8250200 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundCOVID-19 had significant impact on the 2021 integrated plastic surgery match, most notably through cancellation of away rotations and virtual interviews. While previous studies have analyzed geographic outcomes of the match in prior years, the effects of COVID-19 have not been determined. This study aims to contribute 2021 match data to determine the effects of COVID-19 on the geographic distribution of the integrated plastic surgery match.MethodsOfficial match results for each program were populated by searching official program institutional websites and social media pages. Trainees' home medical institutions and current integrated plastic surgery residency programs were noted. Statistical analysis compared geographic distribution in COVID-19 affected (2021) and non-COVID-19 affected (2015-2020) match years.ResultsOf 85 integrated plastic surgery programs, 80% (n = 68) of programs and 1,015 matched trainees were included in this study. The average percentage of institutional matches in COVID-19-affected match year was 25.12%, compared to 16.67% for non-COVID-19-affected match years (p = 0.0012). The odds ratio of matching at a home institution in 2021 compared to prior years was 1.68 (95% CI 1.11-2.53).ConclusionsOur study is consistent with previous studies that demonstrate strong match preferences for affiliated medical students but also adds that this trend may be amplified in the post-COVID-19 era. While multiple factors may be involved in geographic distributions of residency match outcomes, the results of this study suggest that COVID-19 restrictions on travel and exposure to outside programs may have contributed to an even higher percentage of matches within the same institution.
| S-EPMC8225370 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundThe number of residency applications submitted by medical students rises annually, resulting in increased work and costs for residency programs and applicants, particularly in emergency medicine. We propose a solution to this problem: an optional, two-stage Match with a "summer match" stage, in which applicants can submit a limited number of applications early. This would be conducted similarly to the early decision process for college admissions. The study objectives were to explore stakeholder opinions on the feasibility of a summer match and to identify the ideal logistic parameters to operationalize this proposal.MethodsWe used exploratory qualitative methodology following a constructivist paradigm to develop an understanding of the potential impact of a summer match. We interviewed 34 key stakeholders in the U.S. residency application process identified through purposive sampling including educational administrators (program directors, designated institutional officials, medical school deans) and trainees (students, residents). We coded and thematically analyzed interview data in two stages using an inductive approach.ResultsWe identified six themes from the participant interviews that broadly reflected issues of the residency application process, value, and equity. These themes included disrupting the status quo, logistic concerns, match strategy, differential benefits, unintended consequences, and return on investment. Most study participants supported the summer match concept, with medical students and residents most in favor. We developed a theoretical summer match protocol based on these findings.ConclusionsA summer match may reduce the burdens of increasing residency applications and associated costs. Pilot testing is necessary to confirm this hypothesis and determine the impact of the proposed summer match protocol. Unintended consequences must be considered carefully during implementation.
| S-EPMC8237086 | biostudies-literature