Key criteria for selection of radiology residents: results of a national survey.
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES:
We sought to identify the criteria that academic radiology departments in the United States consider for selecting their residents.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
In a cross-sectional study, a validated survey was sent to all the program directors of radiology residency programs. A total of 25 variables were studied. Descriptive statistics and correlations were calculated by the chi2 test. Nonparametric correlations were calculated with the Kruskal-Wallis rank test. Statistical significance was set at 5% alpha-error level (P<.05).
RESULTS:
We had a response rate of 53.1% (77 of 145). All responders participate in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP), and 93.5% fill all their positions through NRMP. The preinterview selection criteria showed no significant difference by size, region, or affiliation with a medical school. An “interviewing body” carries out the interview process in 87.3% of the cases. Residents and fellows are part of the interviewing body in 76.5% of the programs, the body has the final word in accepting candidates in 62.9% of the programs, 55.4% of the programs use score sheets during interviews with candidates, and only 6.5% of the programs perform panel interviews. Programs associated with a medical school are significantly more likely to have more members in their interviewing body and to use score sheets when evaluating candidates, and panel interviews (more than one candidate or interviewer) are significantly more common among programs in the northeast region.
CONCLUSION:
All preinterview selection criteria and some interview structural characteristics are independent of the program’s size, region, or affiliation with a medical school. More research regarding optimal preselection and interview processes is needed, and closer attention should be paid to the NRMP process if current practices are to be maintained
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