Radiology Residency Preference Signaling: A Single Institution Experience

Purpose: Association of American Medical Colleges announced the availability of submitting a supplemental application for those applying to dermatology, surgery, and internal medicine residency in June 2021 for the 2021-2022 cycle. The idea of the supplemental application is to give the applicants extra space to elaborate on their previous experiences and show genuine interest in certain programs. The idea expanded to include a total of 16 specialties for the 2022-2023 ERAS cycle, which included diagnostic radiology.

Methods/Materials: Review of a single institution applications for the diagnostic radiology 2022-2023 match cycle were review for geographic and program signal preferences. These variables were compared to the final rank list and matched applicants.

Results: We received a total of 1294 applications. One hundred and eight applicants signaled the program. Applying preset filters determined by the selection committee yielded a total of 68 signaling applicants. The selection committee extended interview invitations to 104 applicants; 23 of which signaled the program. Out of the top 10 ranked applicants, 6 applicants signaled the program. Out of the 5 matched applicants, 80% used the program signal, and 100% did the geographic preference.

Conclusions: Our selection committee found the supplemental application to be a valuable addition to the ERAS. Primarily, it provided us greater clarity on the backgrounds and preferences of our applicants. The supplemental application to the DR residency application played a role in helping us identify the most interested applicants who we perceive may have a greater likelihood of professional and personal fulfillment by matching to our program.