In Pursuit of Fellowship: Results From a 2016 Survey of US Trainees.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to gauge radiology trainee perceptions regarding the fellowship selection process and survey their perceived level of preparedness and desire for a fellowship-oriented lecture.

METHODS: A survey, approved by Association of Program Coordinators in Radiology (APCR) was distributed via e-mail to all APCR members for distribution to their residents.

RESULTS: A total of 98.6% (n = 261) of residents plan to pursue a fellowship. The most popular fellowships are interventional radiology, body, musculoskeletal, and Neuro. For fellowship information, residents believe that fellowship directors in their field of intent were the most reliable (76%), followed by fellows (65%). Only approximately 50% of residents felt somewhat strongly that they were preparing for their fellowship application correctly. Lastly, 44% of residents (n = 94) replied extremely likely to attend a lecture series given by fellowship directors, and 36% (n = 77) said somewhat likely.

CONCLUSION: This survey demonstrates that most trainees plan to pursue fellowship training. Residents ranked certain resources as more important in fellowship selection, such as fellowship directors and fellows. Lastly, there is a high interest in a lecture series that would bring together fellowship directors and residents that are interested in that particular fellowship.